A hiking group was recently rescued after getting lost on the hiking trails of Simonsberg, Stellenbosch.
This is according to Johann Marais, spokesperson of Wilderness Search and Rescue. The organisation was on the scene to rescue the hiking group on 9 July, stated Marais.
The group of nine was aged between 16 and 78, with a member of the group acting as a tour guide, said Marais.
Simonsberg is found in the Stellenbosch area, near the town of Pniel. PHOTO: Joel Ontong
The rescue
The hiking group departed on their trip at around 9:00 on 9 July and, after they had lost their way, notified Wilderness Search and Rescue, said Marais. “[Wilderness Search and Rescue] searched a long time for them,” stated Marais.
When the hikers were found on the evening of 9 July, Wilderness Search and Rescue monitored the group and kept them warm through the night, stated Marais. The group had to stay in the mountain overnight due to low visibility and were led back down the mountain on 10 July, he said.
As the hiking group was descending from Simonsberg on 10 July, one member of the group fell, sustained injuries and had to be put on a stretcher to be returned to the bottom of the mountain, according to Marais. This individual was taken to a hospital via an ambulance, stated Marais.
Nine hikers who got lost on Simonsberg were recently rescued in an operation that involved 40 individuals and lasted 27 hours. This is according to Johann Marais, spokesperson of Wilderness Search and Rescue. The organisation was on the scene to assist the hiking group on 9 July, stated Marais. PHOTO: Supplied/Uhlan Lackay
The rescue operation lasted 27 hours and 40 individuals were involved in the rescue of the hiking group, stated Marais.
“The whole operation only ended at 23:30 the following day [10 July]. Everyone was brought down safely,” according to Uhlan Lackay, founder of Pniel Cultural and Environmental Tours. Lackay was at the scene on the evening of 9 July and assisted in finding the hiking group, he said.
“The primary role players in this search and rescue operation were Wilderness Search and Rescue and the Mountain Club SA,” stated Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality, via email correspondence with MatieMedia.
Ensuring a safe hiking trip
In order to ensure a safe hiking trip, “tell people where you are hiking, stay on route, [and] walk with friends”, said Lackay. “Be careful and put emergency numbers on your phone,” he added. Hikers should ensure that they are dressed warmly and have water packed in, he stated. He also warned against hiking in unfavourable weather conditions.
Hikers should always follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe hiking trip. Uhlan Lackay, founder of Pniel Cultural and Environmental Tours, supplied the following safety tips. GRAPHIC: Joel Ontong
Mountain Club SA was not available for comment by the time of publication.