Cape Town – A hiker has died after suffering critical injuries in a fall near Bailey’s Kloof in Muizenberg on Sunday, despite a rapid aerial rescue and advanced medical care.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) said teams were called out on Sunday morning after the hiker “fell several metres while scrambling above a trail” and was found critically injured.
A rescue helicopter from Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS, operated with the Air Mercy Service (AMS), was dispatched to the scene. “Rescuers worked swiftly to stabilise the patient,” WSAR said, adding that advanced medical care was provided on site by an EMS paramedic before the hiker was airlifted to hospital.
Tragically, WSAR later confirmed that the hiker succumbed to his injuries.
“Despite the best efforts of rescue and medical personnel, the Muizenberg hiker later passed away in hospital,” the organisation said.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The fatal incident was one of three mountain-related rescues handled by WSAR teams in the Cape Town area on Sunday.
Fatal fall at Muizenberg near Bailey’s Kloof.https://t.co/n4mTugf82R#ArriveAlive #HikingSafety @WSARWesternCape pic.twitter.com/7tMNJt37Ol
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 29, 2025
Earlier in the morning, rescuers were deployed to Lion’s Head after a 52-year-old visitor from Bloemfontein mis-stepped while descending from the summit and fell.
WSAR said rescuers on board the helicopter were hoisted to the patient’s location, where she was assessed and treated by an EMS paramedic before being flown to a nearby landing zone and transported to hospital by ambulance.
Later in the afternoon, a specialised trail runner was sent to assist two British hikers, aged 27 and 28, who became stranded below the Kloof Corner hiking trail. The pair had deviated from the India Venster trail and called for help when they were unable to continue safely.
WSAR said the runner “was able to locate them quickly and guide them safely back down the mountain,” with the hikers brought to safety shortly before 20:00.
WSAR reminded the public to save the correct mountain emergency number, 021 937 0300, and noted that the organisation is “a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations who partner in search and rescue.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
