Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were dispatched to Nuweberg Forestry Station in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve after two trail runners were reported missing on Sunday evening.
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The pair had departed the Jonkershoek gate shortly before 8am on Sunday, intending to run over the mountains to the Nuweberg Forestry Station, finishing by 4pm.
When family members were unable to contact the two ultra-endurance runners after they missed their deadline, they called the emergency contact number.
Wilderness Search And Rescue teams, including CapeNature rangers and a drone from the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS Drone Unit, were dispatched from the Nuweberg Forestry Station into the mountains late Sunday.
Unfortunately, the urgent search produced no results, and teams disbanded in the early hours of Monday morning.
When the search resumed at first light on Monday morning, new rescue teams, including specialised trackers, and a Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter arrived in Jonkershoek.
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The pair made their way from the mountain to a location where they could contact family members, while teams prepared to deploy into the field.
A small team was dispatched to retrieve the overdue runners near Franschhoek.
It is believed that the two were delayed on their intended route. When they realised they were not going to make it to Nuweberg, they decided to take a trail down Assegaaiboskloof from Berg River Neck.
They sheltered next to a river on Sunday night because they could not proceed safely in the dark, and they resumed their journey after sunrise on Monday.
A passing mountain biker directed them to a nearby road, and the two called family members as soon as they had cellular service.
‘The two ultra-distance trail runners were aware that there was limited cellular coverage and had told family members where they intended to run, when they intended to return and who to call if they did not return,’ said David Nel, a spokesperson for WSAR.
‘They carried sufficient precautionary gear to ensure that they were able to survive a cold night out, in the unlikely event of an emergency.’
‘They stopped and rested for the night when it became unsafe to continue any further after dark.’
‘This incident highlights the importance of proper preparation, and a little common sense.’
‘We urge all outdoor enthusiasts to follow their example and remember boy scout adage – Be Prepared.’
‘Start by to saving the critical emergency number – 021 937 0300’, Nel said.
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Picture: John Davids / WSAR / Facebook