Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) was called into action after a mountain biker was injured on one of the Western Cape’s most technical tracks.
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A small team on board the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was flown to Hoogekraal Farm near Durbanville after the rider fell and injured himself on Sunday afternoon.
The 48-year-old mountain biker was descending Cobra, Hoogekraal’s most technical MTB single track, when he fell.
According to Trailforks, the trail is rated as ‘black diamond’ and is revered for its tight switchbacks, rock gardens, and a tricky rock slab into a tight corner.
A call for help was made to the emergency number.
The rescue team was hoisted down to a point close to the injured mountain biker.
He was assessed and treated by a paramedic before being placed on a stretcher and hoisted up into the helicopter.
He was flown to a nearby landing zone and transferred to an ambulance.
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Meanwhile, rescue teams were dispatched to Theresa Avenue above Camps Bay on Sunday afternoon after a hiking group reported that one of their members had injured herself while scrambling up the Porcupine Anvil route.
The 45-year-old hiker had stepped and twisted awkwardly in the steep terrain, injuring her back.
Unable to continue and in significant pain, a call was made to the emergency number.
Rescuers quickly hiked up to the group of seven hikers. Once on scene, they found that the group had been able to brace the injury and were slowly assisting the injured hiker back down the trail in Porcupine Ravine.
The team assessed the injured hiker before continuing slowly down the trail back to the vehicles.
The hikers were driven back to their cars and the injured hiker was driven home by her friends.
‘We’ve seen an increase in the number of calls in the past two weeks,’ said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.
‘Outdoor enthusiasts have been taking advantage of the sunny and clear conditions, after a long and wet winter.’
‘We want to remind everyone that some sections of the trails may still be wet, slippery, and damaged, and we urge everyone to take care.
‘Most importantly, make sure that you have the correct emergency number saved to your phone: 021 937 030.
‘We would like to wish both patients a speedy recovery.’
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Picture: WSAR volunteer / Facebook
