Members of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) were called into action on Sunday afternoon to save a 34-year-old man who fell while rock climbing at the Silvermines Nature Reserve.
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The climber was nearing the top of a popular climbing route at Lower Silvermine, above Tokai, when he fell approximately two meters.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel explained that the climber was leading the route, a technique in rock climbing where the lead climber clips their rope to the climbing protection as they ascend the climbing route, while their second (or belayer) remains at the base of the route holding the rope to protect the lead climber in the event of a fall.
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‘He was above his last protected point when he fell and unfortunately collided with a protruding rock edge before his belayer arrested his fall,’ said Nel.
Unable to continue climbing, his belayer slowly lowered him down to the base of the cliff to assess his injuries.
‘The pair decided to call for help when it became apparent that he was unable to walk.’
Once on scene, team members quickly hiked to the patient’s location.
‘He was assessed and treated by a rescue paramedic before being placed into a stretcher.
The team carefully carried him back to the vehicles.’
The incident was concluded shortly after sunset.
‘Although often perceived as a dangerous activity, we very seldom receive callouts involving injured rock climbers,’ Nel added.
‘In the last 15 years, Wilderness Search And Rescue has responded to only 67 rock climbing-related incidents, about 3% of rescues annually.
‘No injuries were reported in 28 of these callouts.
‘We encourage anyone curious about the sport, to visit one of the many rock climbing gyms, or hire a qualified climbing guide, to help to show them the ropes.
‘We wish the patient a speedy recovery’, Nel said.
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Winter rock-face rescue by Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR)
Picture: WSAR / Fredy Mohorich