Tragic fall at Muizenberg: Hiker dies despite emergency rescue efforts
Critical Muizenberg hiker airlifted to hospital, later passes away.
Image: Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR)
A hiker has died in hospital after a serious fall near Bailey’s Kloof in the Western Cape on Sunday morning, a search and rescue organisation confirmed.
“Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were called to Muizenberg on Sunday morning following a serious fall near Bailey’s Kloof,” the organisation said.
A small team aboard the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS/ Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter responded to the scene, where rescuers stabilised the critically injured hiker before airlifting him to hospital.
Despite advanced medical care on site, the hiker later passed away. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” WSAR added.
Earlier in the day, WSAR teams were also deployed to Lion’s Head, where a 52-year-old visitor from Bloemfontein fell while descending from the summit.
“Rescuers on board the rescue helicopter were hoisted down to the patient’s location, where she was assessed and treated by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic before being flown to a nearby landing zone and transported to hospital by ambulance,” WSAR said.
Later in the afternoon, a specialised trail runner assisted two British hikers, aged 27 and 28, who had become disoriented below the Kloof Corner hiking trail after deviating from the India Venster route. The pair were safely guided back down the mountain shortly before 8pm.
WSAR emphasised the importance of caution when hiking in the region’s mountainous terrain, highlighting the risks even for experienced adventurers.
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