A local hiker is recovering in hospital after a dramatic late-night rescue in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West, on Tuesday evening (21 July).

The rescue operation began when desperate screams echoed through the mountain, prompting an immediate response from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers and partner agencies.

Using advanced technology, including assistance from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit, rescuers located the unconscious hiker near a lower trail. He had fallen approximately 15 to 20 metres from a higher path, sustaining critical injuries.

Exposed to freezing temperatures and at risk of hypothermia, the hiker received immediate care on-site. Rescuers used specialised heating blankets and a sleeping bag to stabilise him while a team doctor treated his injuries. Once stabilised, the patient was carefully secured in a stretcher and carried down the rugged terrain by a coordinated team. He was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital, with the operation concluding at 00:55 on Wednesday morning.

Rescue marathon

The Helderberg rescue was one of three incidents WSAR teams responded to that night. On Table Mountain, two separate groups of hikers required assistance after missing the last cable car.

In the first incident, two tourists from the Philippines became lost near Echo Valley. They were safely escorted off the mountain by WSAR teams and SANParks rangers.

In the second, two American hikers delayed near Maclear’s Beacon called for reassurance while descending Platteklip Gorge in the dark. WSAR monitored their progress until they safely cleared the mountain by 22:00.

READ ALSO: “Sombre discovery ends week-long search for hiker at nature reserve,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 15 July.

Hiker safety

WSAR spokesperson David Nel urged hikers to exercise caution, regardless of experience. “Accidents happen on even the most familiar trails,” he said. “Always tell someone where you’re going, carry essential safety gear, and avoid hiking alone.”

Nel commended the Table Mountain hikers for calling early, allowing rescuers to intervene before their situations worsened.

WSAR reminds hikers to carry warm clothing, water, a headlamp or torch, and a fully charged phone. With the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway closed for maintenance from 27 July to 9 August, hikers must plan both their ascent and descent carefully.

• For emergencies, contact WSAR at 021 937 0300. To support their volunteer efforts, visit WSAR Support.