Lone hiker survives for 48 hours after fall on Devil’s Peak

Specialised teams of volunteers and professionals from Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape responded to Newlands Forest following reports of a stranded hiker in Second Waterfall Ravine on Devil’s Peak.

A group of young hikers reported hearing calls for help from the contour path while passing Second Waterfall Ravine. 

They reported the incident when they reached the Newlands Forest.

After interviewing the group of hikers, teams of rescuers raced from Newlands Forest to investigate the incident.

An injured 28-year-old hiker was located roughly one hundred metres up the ravine from the contour path.

A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic attended to the injured hiker, before team members carefully helped him into a rescue stretcher.

Rescuers used ropes to construct a low guideline that allowed them to safely float the stretcher over the steep and broken terrain back to the contour path.

Once on the contour path, the Cascade Rescue CompanyTerra Tamer stretcher wheel was used to swiftly move the patient to a waiting vehicle at the King’s Blockhouse near Rhodes Memorial.

The injured hiker was driven to hospital by ambulance and the incident was concluded shortly after 22:00 on Friday.

According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR): “The hiker told team members that he had fallen and injured his leg two days earlier. 

“He was not able to move from his position and had no other means to call for help.

“He is very lucky that passing hikers heard his cries for help and raised the alarm.

“We urge outdoor enthusiasts not to venture out on their own.

“Carry a cell phone and ensure that it is fully charged before starting. Pack a power bank just in case.

“Tell someone where you’re going and when they can expect you to return. Share the emergency number – (021) 937 0300 with them just in case.

“We wish our patient a speedy recovery”, Nel said.

Photos by Mountain Club of SA – Search And Rescue and Chris Jacobs

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