This past weekend, the Wilderness Search and Rescue WSAR network demonstrated its remarkable coordination and depth of experience as dedicated volunteers and professionals sprang into action across five separate incidents in the beautiful yet treacherous terrains of the Western Cape, reports Cape town Etc .
On Saturday morning, WSAR joined forces with Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS and Fire Rescue to assist a 62-year-old hiker who had injured herself on a remote, disused trail near the Berg River Dam.
Alone at the time of her fall, she managed to reach out for help, calling the emergency number 021 937 0300. Emergency teams quickly evaluated her injuries at the scene before carefully carrying her across the river on a stretcher. She was safely transported back to her vehicle by 2:36pm.
Simultaneously, in the lush surroundings of Cecilia Forest, another rescue effort was underway. A 32-year-old hiker, part of a larger group, found herself exhausted during her descent. Struggling to continue, she called for assistance. WSAR volunteers, along with SANParks - Table Mountain National Park Rangers, successfully reached her location. After treatment on the hillside, they transported her to safety, concluding this operation by 2:35pm.
The evening brought further challenges as two hikers aged 34 and 49 lost their way while descending from West Peak in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Despite being uninjured, they recognised that they would not make it back before the closing of the gates and promptly reached out for help.