Hiker dies after fall near Muizenberg as rescuers respond to multiple mountain incidents
A hiker has died after suffering critical injuries in a fall near Bailey’s Kloof in Muizenberg on Sunday, December 28, despite the efforts of rescue and medical teams.
Image: Marcelle Holmes
A hiker has died after suffering critical injuries in a fall near Bailey’s Kloof in Muizenberg on Sunday, December 28, despite the efforts of rescue and medical teams.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) said teams were called out on Sunday morning after the hiker fell several metres while scrambling above a trail on the Cape Peninsula. The injured hiker was located in a critical condition.
A rescue helicopter operated by the Western Cape government's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Air Mercy Service was deployed to the scene, where a small team worked to stabilise the patient. Advanced medical care was provided on-site before the hiker was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
WSAR later confirmed that the hiker succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
In a separate incident earlier on Sunday, rescue teams were also deployed to Lion’s Head after a 52-year-old visitor from Bloemfontein fell while descending from the summit. Rescuers were hoisted down from a helicopter to reach the woman, who was treated by an EMS paramedic before being flown to a nearby landing zone and transported to hospital by ambulance.
Later that afternoon, a specialised trail runner was dispatched to assist two stranded British hikers, aged 27 and 28, below the Kloof Corner hiking trail.
"The pair became disoriented after deviating from the India Venster trail and called for help when they were unable to continue safely," WSAR said in a statement.
The runner was able to locate them and guide them safely back down the mountain shortly before 8pm on Sunday evening.
On Monday morning, December 29, WSAR said its team assisted an exhausted 46-year-old German hiker in Platteklip Gorge after he was reported by a passing group of hikers. The patient was treated for heat-related injuries and flown to a nearby landing zone for further care.
Anyone needing emergency assistance in wilderness areas is urged to contact the emergency number on 021 937 0300.