PLETTENBURG BAY – A London tourist was rescued from Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenburg Bay after breaking her ankle on the rocky terrain during a visit to the Garden Route attraction.
Rosalind Innes slipped on a narrow, rocky section near the Point of Robberg, leaving her stranded in a secluded area as weather conditions deteriorated. Unable to walk without assistance due to the injury and pain, she and her husband struggled to navigate the uneven terrain.
CapeNature EPWP general worker Vuyani Charlie, who was conducting trail maintenance on the boardwalk nearby, was alerted to the incident by Innes’ husband. After assuring the couple he would return with help, Charlie moved to higher ground to establish a mobile phone signal and contacted field rangers Charles Minnaar and Petrus Lamini, who were on duty at the Island conducting trail maintenance.
The rescue operation took four hours. The three staff members navigated slippery rocks whilst supporting Innes’ injured leg and protecting her from the weather conditions to bring her to safety.
“I truly do not know what I would have done without them,” Innes said. “I owe them my life, particularly Vuyani Charlie, as I was simply not strong enough to get out on my own. They kept me calm and safe, and supported me both physically and mentally through a horrendous ordeal.”
Innes was transported to a local hospital following the rescue.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said the staff members’ response demonstrated professionalism. “Our field rangers are more than custodians of our natural heritage — they are protectors, guides, and often the first responders when things go wrong,” he said. “Their rapid assessment, coordinated response, and sustained effort over several hours ensured the safe recovery and evacuation of a stranded hiker under challenging conditions.”
