A tragic accident at the Groot Winterhoek Mountains resulted in the death of a German paraglider yesterday.

The Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) confirmed the incident in an official statement.

“On Tuesday, February 26 2019, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) was requested to assist with the recovery of the body of a German paraglider who had met with an accident in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains outside Porterville.”

At 10.50am, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services was dispatched to recover the victim’s body, but cloud cover prevented safe operation of the helicopter.

A team of 12 from the Western Cape Forensic Pathology Services as well as rescuers hiked into the mountain to locate the fallen paraglider.

Due to the cold and cloud cover, visibility was poor for the rescue teams. WSAR says that the victim’s body was recovered in a gully.

“The paraglider was found in a gully on sloping ground which also hampered the recovery. Once they had completed their tasks, the body was packaged and recovered to the staging area.”

The WSAR says that there has been no further information detailing the accident.

“The circumstances around the accident remain unclear. WSAR would like to convey our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

WSAR has given several safety tips regarding paragliding and other adventure sports: 

– Exercise caution when partaking in extreme sports

– Wear the correct personal protective equipment when participating in adventure sports

– Pay attention to the weather conditions

– Consider the knowledge of the locals.

Picture: Pexels

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