The death of a German national on the Tweede Waterval hike, at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, has drawn attention to mountain safety awareness as rescue officials pass caution. This was according to David Nel, spokesperson for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).
The Tweede Waterval hiking trail traverses mountain faces in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. PHOTO: Nicola Amon
“35% of all WSAR call-outs involve foreign visitors,” said Nel.
The rescue mission on Saturday, 2 March drew in a group of more than 25 rescuers from as far as Cape Town. This was according to Nel, who was situated at the base while rescuers trekked to the site of the accident.
Technical rescue to reach patient
According to Nel, the man, aged 41, had been hiking with his husband when he slipped and fell some 40 metres off the path on the way back from the waterfall. “It was a technical rescue involving rescuers abseiling down the cliff,” said Nel.
Rescuers abseiled down the cliff face to retrieve the body of the deceased some 40 metres below the Tweede Waterval trail on 2 March. PHOTO: Supplied/Johan Wild
Nel said the couple were German nationals on holiday in South Africa.
“Regrettably, upon [the medics’] arrival, the patient was pronounced deceased,” said Megan Davids, communications manager at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, .
“An inquest docket has been submitted to [the South African Police Service] as part of the standard practice for any unnatural deaths,” said Nel.
The direct cause of the accident remains unclear.
“All hikers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their chosen trails and ensure appropriate gear to minimise risk of injury,” said Davids.
Forge, a popular mapping app for hiking trails in South Africa, classifies the start of the Tweede Waterval hike as ‘easy’, while the section after the turnoff to Eerste Waterval is classified as ‘moderate’.
According to Forge, the map of the Tweede Waterval hike is one of the most popular maps on the app. Of the Cape Nature reserve maps, it is the second most viewed after Robberg in the last two quarters, according to Forge.
Lack of clarity surrounding closure of trail sections
Cape Nature’s website states that “the dangerous ascent of this waterfall is closed,” referring to the second waterfall. This, however, is no longer the case, according to Jaco du Toit, a hiker who frequents the trail.
Du Toit said that there was once a sign marking the closed section of the trail, but the sign has since been removed and a chain has been put in its place.
Hikers descending chains at the section of the Tweede Waterval hiking trail that Cape Nature’s website states is closed in their description of the hike. PHOTO: Nicola Amon
SMF news contacted Cape Nature about this issue, but was unable to reach someone who had knowledge of the trail.
Although the accident did not occur on this section of the trail, Nel emphasised the importance of accurate information on nature reserve websites and trail apps. “This area will be more dangerous following rainfall,” said Nel.
Emergency number: 021 937 0300