Triple tragedy strikes in Western Cape mountains this week

Three people have tragically died in separate incidents in Western Cape mountains this week.

In the first incident, according to the Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape Facebook page, rescuers responded to Platteklip Gorge on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports that a foreign hiker had collapsed while hiking up the popular trail.

A small team on board the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter were flown to scene.

Unfortunately attempts to resuscitate the 55-year-old hiker were unsuccessful.

His body was placed into a stretcher and flown to a nearby landing zone before being handed over to local SAPS and forensic services members on scene.

The incident was concluded shortly before 19:00.

MISSING MOUNTAIN BIKER

In the second incident, rescue teams responded to Greyton late on Monday evening in search of a missing mountain biker.

Unfortunately, his body was discovered shortly after the search resumed on Tuesday morning.

Teams placed the mountain biker into a stretcher and carried him to a point where his body was taken into the care of local SAPS and forensic services members on scene.

The incident was concluded shortly after 13:30 on Tuesday.

CONDOLENCES

Then, on Wednesday morning, rescuers helped SAPS with a multi-agency effort to recover a deceased hiker from Table Mountain.

The hiker had been found late on Monday afternoon.

However, due to the location and poor weather conditions, efforts to recover the hiker were postponed until Wednesday.

Technical teams stood by as SAPS Search and Rescue personnel were airlifted to the scene.

The hiker’s body was flown to a nearby landing zone and turned over to local SAPS and forensic services personnel on the scene.

The incident was concluded at 11:10.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Outdoor lovers are urged to memorise this crucial Emergency Number: (021) 937 0300

DID YOU KNOW

Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.

Donations can save lives. If you are in a position to do so, visit the WSAR Back-A-Buddy platform or click HERE to offer your support.