Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams in the Western Cape successfully completed three rescue operations over the weekend.
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Rescue 1: Lakeside Ridge
On Sunday morning, a 76-year-old hiker encountered trouble on Lakeside Ridge. While descending, the hiker accidentally dislodged a boulder, causing him to fall six metres down a steep slope.
The hiking companions contacted Safety Mountain Tracking, which led to the swift dispatch of WSAR teams to Boyes Drive.
Upon reaching the site, rescuers provided first aid and opted for helicopter assistance from the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS). The hiker was airlifted to safety and transported to a hospital, and the operation was wrapped up before noon.
Rescue 2: East Fort, Chapman’s Peak
A 61-year-old hiker lost her footing and fell while descending from the Blackburn Ravine Waterfall at Chapman’s Peak on Saturday morning. Her group dialled the emergency number, leading to an immediate response from WSAR.
Following a paramedic assessment, the hiker was hoisted into a helicopter, and then family members transported her from the landing zone to the hospital. The incident concluded at 2:40pm.
Rescue 3: Table Mountain
Sunday afternoon saw WSAR teams heading to Table Mountain, where a hiker in her late twenties had injured her ankle at Platteklip Gorge. The rescue team met the hiker and transported her by ambulance to the hospital, concluding the rescue at 5:26pm.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel reported that this year’s number of rescue operations has surpassed pre-Covid numbers. He stressed the readiness of their teams to assist outdoor enthusiasts and urged the public to save the emergency contact number (021 937 0300) for a quick response.
Nel expressed his wishes for a swift recovery to all patients and reminded the public of the importance of supporting WSAR through donations, now possible via the Back-A-Buddy platform and WSAR’s website.
WSAR details:
- Emergency contact number: 021 937 0300
- Donation link: Back-A-Buddy for WSAR
- WSAR support page: Support WSAR
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