Cederberg Mountains outside Citrusdal

On Monday the 25th of February 2019 at 10h42 the West Coast Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) was activated to respond to the Cederberg Wilderness area after a call for assistance was received.

A 17 year old female from Kuwait had injured her knee while on a multi-day hike in the section just south west of the Algeria campsite. This mountain range is managed by Cape Nature, and their campsite became the staging area for this call. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and crew as well as a Metro Emergency 4×4 ambulance and crew made their way to the campsite. The party had provided an accurate indication of where they were, and the HEMS proceeded to locate them. On arrival, a Metro Advanced Life Support Medical Rescue Technician and a Rescue Climber went to the aid of the patient after the helicopter had landed.

The teenager’s left leg and knee were immobilised, while another female member of their party also requested assistance after suffering from fatigue due to the extreme heat conditions. These two patients were then airlifted to the Algeria campsite where the second patient was transported away via a private vehicle. The lady who sustained the knee injury was then flown to a medical facility in Cape Town for further treatment.

We wish both hikers a speedy recovery.

  • The Air Mercy Service (AMS) is contracted to the Western Cape Department of Health to provide the Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS).

WSAR urges the public to please:-

  • be cautious when negotiating descents as most knee and ankle injuries occur at this stage
  • please have a dedicated cellphone that is kept off, for use in the event of an emergency only
  • carry a back up powerbank especially when doing multi day hikes
  • have at least one person who is trained and experienced in first aid in your hiking party

Call 021 937 0300 or 112 for any wilderness and mountain rescue response.

Please click here if you would like to support the WSAR Trust, thank you.