A teenage hiker from Diocesan College (Bishops) has been rescued after being bitten by a small berg adder in the remote Cederberg mountains.
The incident occurred during a trek from Kromrivier to Sneeuberg, when the young scholar was struck while bending down to tie his shoelaces.
The hiking group reacted immediately, photographing the snake to help with identification and calling for assistance.
Praised the hikers
David Nel, spokesperson for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), praised the hikers for their calm response under pressure.
“Fortunately, the outing had been meticulously planned,” Nel said.
“Each group in the area followed reliable communication protocols, with locations actively tracked via Garmin InReach devices. This technology allowed us to act quickly and efficiently in a remote area.”
Thanks to these preparations, a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter was dispatched swiftly.
A small rescue team hoisted the injured teenage from the mountainside and transported him to Cape Town for medical treatment.
His injuries, though serious, are not believed to be life-threatening.
‘Quick thinking’
Nel noted the rarity of such emergencies.
“Rescues resulting from snake bites in the Western Cape are extremely rare – this was only the seventh recorded in our database over the past 45 years,” he said.
He added that devices like the Garmin InReach, which provide vital satellite communication in isolated environments, played a crucial role in the operation’s success.
Nel commended the group for their quick thinking and wished the teenager well, saying, “We wish the teen scholar a full and speedy recovery.”
The mother of the unnamed pupil took to social media to praise both the emergency services and the school for their handling of the situation.
