Western Cape rescue teams stretched as WSAR responds to 38 incidents in weeks
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers worked tirelessly to save hikers in three separate Western Cape incidents.
Image: Facebook/Wilderness Search and Rescue
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape says its teams responded to 25 incidents in December alone, with a further 13 already attended to in January, which it said highlights the sustained demand on rescue services during the summer holiday period.
“Over the course of the weekend, teams were deployed to three separate rescues: a technically demanding stretcher operation on Lion’s Head, a helicopter-assisted evacuation in Jonkershoek, and a heat-related rescue in Platteklip Gorge late on Sunday afternoon,” WSAR said in a statement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
“Each incident required skill, coordination, sound judgement and no small amount of physical effort, delivered by our volunteer teams who had already given up significant personal time during a busy festive season.”
The first incident occurred on Saturday, January 10, at Lion’s Head, where a 28-year-old hiker was injured while descending a popular trail.
“She slipped on a loose, sandy section of the path above the first ladder, twisting her leg during the fall,” WSAR said.
The hiker was treated on site by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic before being carefully assisted into a stretcher.
“Given the steep and broken terrain, teams established a rope system to lower the patient safely down the ladder.”
“The rope was also used as a safety system as rescuers manoeuvred the stretcher down exposed and uneven sections of the trail,” WSAR added.
Three dramatic hiker rescues over the weekend put Western Cape’s Wilderness Search and Rescue teams to the test in extreme conditions.
Image: Facebook/Wilderness Search and Rescue
She was then transported to hospital, with the incident concluded at 1.29pm.
On Sunday afternoon, January 11, a 57-year-old hiker slipped and fell near the First Waterfall in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
“A medic, accompanied by two CapeNature rangers, swiftly hiked to reach the injured hiker and conduct an initial assessment,” WSAR said.”
It said due to the nature of her injuries and the surrounding terrain, a rescue helicopter was called in to airlift her to safety.
The rescue concluded shortly before 4.pm.
Later that evening, teams assisted two visiting hikers from the Netherlands, aged 56 and 66, suffering from the effects of Cape Town’s extreme heat in Platteklip Gorge.
“Teams were initially deployed to assist the female hiker, who was exhausted and unable to continue.”
“During the assessment, it became clear that her male companion was also struggling, having underestimated the importance of hydration and the impact of a late start,” WSAR said.
Both were flown from the trail, with the incident concluded at 6.18pm
Western Cape’s Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers assist an injured hiker.
Image: Facebook/Wilderness Search and Rescue
WSAR extended its best wishes to all those injured or assisted. It also praised its volunteers.
“Your professionalism, teamwork and quiet determination are what allow this rescue system to function, especially when the pressure is high and the weather unforgiving.”
“We are deeply grateful to each of you, our volunteers, who showed up, stepped in, and carried on throughout this demanding period,” the statement said.
Volunteers include Delta Search & Rescue, HAMNET, K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa, Mountain Club of SA – Search and Rescue, Off-Road Rescue Unit (ORRU), SARZA Western Cape, and Trail SAR.
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