Rooiels, Western Cape — Two hikers, aged 75 and 68, were safely rescued near a remote waterfall in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve on Monday night after getting lost on the mountain trail, Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape confirmed.
The pair contacted CapeNature when they were unable to find their way down the mountain. Despite limited cell phone reception, they managed to alert authorities from a high point above the waterfall.
“Even with patchy signal, the hikers were able to send us their location, which allowed us to respond quickly,” said a spokesperson for WSAR.
A two-person team from Overstrand was dispatched immediately. After an initial scan from a nearby lookout point, the rescuers headed into the valley on foot, equipped with extra clothing and torches.
“It took nearly two hours to reach the hikers,” the spokesperson said. “They were just off the trail, cold but in good spirits. Our priority was to ensure they were guided safely down.”
The rescue operation was supported by a drone from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit, which provided aerial monitoring of the team’s progress.
The operation concluded safely at 22:17 on Monday night.
WSAR emphasised the importance of keeping emergency contact numbers accessible.
“Remember to save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number — 021 937 0300,” the spokesperson said.
Wilderness Search And Rescue is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organizations that work together to conduct search and rescue operations across the Western Cape. Support for their work can be shown via wsar.org.za/support-us.
Photos from the rescue were provided by Dirk Kruger and Rob Nel.
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Picture: Facebook/Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
