A sunrise hike for a Swiss tourist and her friends turned awry after she sustained an injury.
The group hiked up the popular Lion’s Head Peak on the morning of 3 October.
While descending the peak, the 22-year-old woman slipped and injured herself. She could not move on and required assistance to get off the summit.
“A passing mountain guide happened upon the group and, realising that the hiker was unable to safely continue, immediately raised the alarm,” said a media statement.
A rescue mission ensued at around 10.30am to bring the woman back to safety.
The SANParks, Table Mountain National Park Rangers, and the Wilderness Search and Rescue Team embarked on a rescue exercise.
Airlifting the tourist was the best option
“After assessing and stabilising the patient, rescuers determined that a helicopter extraction would be the safest option given her location,” stated the rescue team.
“Once safely secured in a rescue harness, she was hoisted from the mountainside into the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter and flown to a nearby landing zone,” stated the team.
The tourist was taken to a hospital for further care.
Many tourists encounter trouble while hiking. Here are some safety tips to follow while hiking.
These include:
- Never hike alone. It’s advisable to hike with a group of four or more people.
- Hiking in groups is helpful. If someone is injured and unable to walk, others in the group can offer assistance.
- Be knowledgeable about the hiking trail and route you plan to travel along.
- Do not veer off the hiking trail you choose. You may get lost or injure yourself.
- Carry a map and be aware of the route description prior to embarking on your hike.
- A group of hikers must keep together and not split.
- If you are lost or forced to stop due to inclement weather conditions, stay together and stay in one place.
- Always have a supply of water whilst hiking.
