Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Cape Town
On Friday the 04th of January 2019 at 08h36 the Peninsula Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) was activated by the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services (EMS) after a call for assistance was received.
It was reported that a 79 year old male from The Strand had accidently slid off the path while walking from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens along the Contour Path in the direction of Cecilia Forest. The Metro Rescue Mobile Incident Command Vehicle and WSAR trailer were dispatched together with a SANParks Visitor Safety Patrol 4×4 vehicle and crew.
Two Metro Rescue Advanced Life Support Medical Rescue Technicians and three SANParks Patrollers drove to an area just below the Contour Path at Nursery Ravine via a jeep track. From there they set off on foot to locate the patient. On arrival, the patient was found approximately five meters below the path in a sitting position while holding onto a tree for support.
A rope system was set up by the team and the patient was then fitted into a harness to prevent him from falling any further. He was assessed and after the gentleman had been reassured he was hauled back up to the path where the minor scratches and bruises which he has sustained were attended to.
From there he and his party were safely walked to the rescue vehicles and then driven to their vehicles at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
No further assistance was required, and we wish the hiker a speedy recovery.
WSAR urges the public to please:-
- be careful and concentrate when negotiating the paths which are mostly uneven
- pause and be stationary when taking photos, snacking or drinking
- keep away from the edge of the path or a view site, as a simple distraction by a bird, insect or an animal can cause one to be startled which may result in you loosing your balance or footing
- note that these dry conditions causes the gravel sections to become friable and unstable underfoot
Please call 021 937 0300 or 112 for any wilderness or mountain rescue response.