Head-injured hiker saved in marathon rescue

Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) Report – June 18, 2025.

•              30-Year-old hiker struck on her head by dislodged rock 
•              Helicopter rescue attempt aborted due to strong wind
•              9-hour effort to safely rescue her from Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine 
•              “Be cautious on steep and unstable terrain, especially after rain," says WSAR
•              Calling the correct emergency number saves time – 021 937 0300
•              Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
•              Share the #IAmWildernessSafe – to increase safety awareness

More than twenty five dedicated volunteers and professionals from Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape responded to Hout Bay after a large group of hikers reported that one of their members had been struck on the head by a rock on Saturday morning.

The group of 50 hikers had started from the Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate, intending to climb Myburgh's Waterfall Ravine and return via Llandudno Ravine.

While ascending the steep ravine a 30-year-old hiker was struck by a dislodged rock. 

Realising that she was injured and unable to continue, a member of the group immediately called the emergency contact number – 021 937 0300.

While rescuers were mustering near the landing zone awaiting the arrival of the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter, a small group of specialist trail runners were dispatched as a hasty team to assess the patient and confirm her location. 

Unfortunately, strong winds gusting at over 60 knots prevented the rescue helicopter from accessing the area and additional rescuers, including SANParks - Table Mountain National Park rangers and SEAM team members, swiftly made their way up the trail to help.

The hiker, after being assessed and treated by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, was found to be stable enough to walk slowly. 

A decision was taken to avoid descending the steep ravine and rather continue up and over the mountain, returning via Llandudno Ravine. 

Team members helped the hiker into a harness and constructed multiple rope hauling systems to carefully support her as they slowly navigated the rest of the steep trail.

Some time later and feeling completely drained after her ordeal, the exhausted hiker was secured in a rescue stretcher and carried down the trail for the final hour to waiting family and friends at Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate.

The incident was concluded with everyone safely off the mountain at 19h30. 

According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR): “We urge all hikers, especially larger groups of hikers, to be extremely careful when navigating steep terrain, as the ground may be unstable in places after rain.

“Mind your step and avoid dislodged any debris, as even small stones have the potential to cause a cascade that could injure someone below you.

“More care needs to be taken near areas that have been impacted by the recent fires, as the stabilising vegetation has not yet recovered," said Nel.

“Be mindful that the trails are wet and will be slippery in places.

“Always ensure that you have the correct emergency number and don’t wait Call Us Sooner – 021 937 0300 

“We thank our amazing rescue teams for their continued dedication and wish our patient a speedy recovery," said Nel.

• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
• Show your support - https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sos-for-life-saving-equipment

Photos by Adam Griffin, Daniel Vorster, Naadirah Moolah te Water, Chris Jacobs & Grant Duncan-Smith

Head-injured hiker saved in marathon rescuehttps://t.co/LGyaqmFNPp#ArriveAlive #HikingSafety @WSARWesternCape pic.twitter.com/a3XkiV9Yhv

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 18, 2025