A mother and her newborn, who were trapped by floodwaters, have been rescued, thanks to heroes who helped deliver her baby and bring them both to safety.
Western Cape, South Africa (11 May 2026) – Last Friday, the Garden Route District Municipality reported that a mother and her newborn had been airlifted to safety by an AMS SA Red Cross Emergency Service helicopter, piloted by Graham Archibald.
The pair had been trapped by floodwaters at Calitzdorp Hot Springs.
The road leading to the area and surrounding farms had largely been washed away due to the powerful flow. The helicopter had landed to deliver food parcels to families trapped across the river and to pick up the mother and her baby.
“They were cut off from medical services after the Olifants River downflow cut off access to the road leading to her residence,” the municipality shares.
As per SABC News Western Cape, the mother gave birth while they were trapped by the waters overnight. A teacher who was present at the time – guided by an EMS station officer over the phone – helped safely deliver the baby before the rescue took place.
“The helicopter landed there this morning and took the mother and baby girl to the Oudtshoorn hospital for a check-up. Both mother and child are doing well.”
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