Dutch tourist rescued from Little Lion’s Head after hiking injury

A family hike near Hout Bay took an unexpected turn on Saturday afternoon after a 23-year-old Dutch tourist suffered a painful leg injury on Little Lion’s Head, prompting an emergency helicopter rescue, Cape {town} Etc reports.

The young woman was hiking with her family when she felt a sudden pop behind her knee. Unable to put weight on her leg or continue along the trail, she stopped and called the emergency services for help.

The incident was among two separate mountain and coastal rescues attended to by Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams that afternoon.

Rescue teams responded after receiving the emergency call on 021 937 0300.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the mountain, where a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic assessed and treated the injured hiker before she was safely airlifted to a nearby landing zone.

Her family subsequently made their way down the trail to reunite with her before taking her to hospital for further medical attention.

Little Lion’s Head, overlooking Hout Bay, is a popular hiking destination, but the incident highlights how quickly an enjoyable outdoor adventure can become an emergency when injuries occur on difficult terrain.

There was little time for rescue crews to rest before another emergency call came through.

This time, a man believed to be in his 40s had reportedly tripped and struck his head against a rock at Sandy Bay Beach.

The helicopter was quickly redeployed, and the injured man was safely evacuated to a nearby landing zone, where an ambulance crew took over and transported him to hospital.

Reflecting on the two incidents, WSAR thanked the emergency responders involved, including SANParks Table Mountain National Park rangers, for their swift response and professionalism.

The organisation described the operations as another example of the teamwork required to assist people in distress across the mountain and coastline.

Both patients were wished a speedy recovery.