Cape Town – The Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers assisted in the rescue of tourists who got into difficulty while hiking mountains above the Atlantic Seaboard on Wednesday.
An Australian hiker believed to be in his 50s fell while hiking up the Blinkwater Ravine above Camps Bay.
On the other hand, a family of Norwegians was rescued from Blind Gully above Camps Bay, said WSAR in a report.
The Australian hiker allegedly called for help after he slipped and fell while attempting to ascend a steep section of the trail, injuring his ankle, the report said.
“Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were immediately activated and were quickly transported to the top of the mountain with the kind assistance of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
“The teams swiftly made their way across and down to the patient. He was assessed and the Western Cape Department of Health EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was called on for assistance,” WSAR said.
The patient was hoisted up into the helicopter, before being flown to a nearby landing zone and then transported to hospital by ambulance.
In the second rescue involving the family from Norway that included two adults and two children, aged 9 and 11, was rescued from Blind Gully above Camps Bay after they lost their way while ascending the Diagonal Route.
According to WSAR, the family continued to follow a faint trail after they missed their turn-off.
The Western Cape Department of Health EMS/AMS rescue helicopter was already in the area after being called out for the Australian hiker and a decision was made to hoist the stranded family into the helicopter, said WSAR in the report.
They were flown to a nearby landing zone.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel commended the team members for their commitment and for giving up their time with their families to rush to the aid of distressed hikers.
“We wish our patient a speedy recovery and hope that they enjoy more of our beautiful province,” Nel said.
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Picture: Facebook/ Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
