A young man’s hiking adventure took a near heart-stopping turn on Devil’s Peak last week. However, thanks to fellow hikers who heard faint cries coming from the depths of Second Waterfall Ravine, a crucial rescue operation unfolded, saving his life.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 February 2025) – A lone hiker experienced a close call after taking a hard fall in Second Waterfall Ravine on Devil’s Peak last week.
Fortunately, a chance encounter with a group of observant young hikers two days after his fall turned a potentially tragic situation into a story of rescue and relief when they heard his cries for help.
According to Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape, specialised teams of volunteers and professionals responded to reports of the stranded hiker, a 28-year-old man located roughly one hundred meters up the ravine from the contour path.
Teams of rescuers raced from Newlands Forest, and emergency services wasted no time attending to the injured hiker. With meticulous care, rescuers secured the hiker onto a specialised rescue stretcher. Using expertly rigged ropes, they created a low guideline, enabling them to carefully navigate the stretcher across the steep, uneven terrain back to the contour path.
According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR):
“The hiker told team members that he had fallen and injured his leg two days earlier. He was not able to move from his position and had no other means to call for help.
“He is very lucky that passing hikers heard his cries for help and raised the alarm.”
The injured man was soon driven to the hospital by an ambulance, and the incident was concluded shortly after 10 pm that evening – no doubt a relief to all involved in working together to bravely save a life.
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Nel further urged outdoor enthusiasts not to venture out on their own.
“Carry a cell phone and ensure that it is fully charged before starting. Pack a power bank just in case. Tell someone where you’re going and when they can expect you to return. Share the emergency number – 021 937 0300 with them just in case.
“We wish our patient a speedy recovery”, Nel said.
If you would like to support the WSAR team, you can do so here.
Sources: Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape
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