A hiker has died after sustaining critical injuries in a fall near Bailey’s Kloof in Muizenberg, despite swift emergency rescue efforts on Sunday morning.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) confirmed that its teams were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a serious fall in the mountainous area overlooking the False Bay coastline. A small rescue team was deployed aboard the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter.
Upon arrival, rescuers stabilised the critically injured hiker at the scene before airlifting him to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite advanced care provided both on site and in hospital, the hiker later succumbed to his injuries.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” WSAR said in a statement.
The Muizenberg incident was one of several rescues handled by WSAR teams on the same day, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with hiking in the Western Cape’s popular but challenging mountain terrain.
Earlier on Sunday, rescue teams were deployed to Lion’s Head after a 52-year-old visitor from Bloemfontein fell while descending from the summit. Rescuers aboard the helicopter were hoisted down to her location, where she was assessed and treated by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic.
She was then flown to a nearby landing zone and transported to hospital by ambulance. No further details about her condition were immediately available.
Later in the afternoon, WSAR also assisted two British hikers, aged 27 and 28, who became disoriented below the Kloof Corner hiking trail after straying from the India Venster route. A specialised trail runner located the pair and safely guided them back down the mountain shortly before 8pm.
WSAR reiterated its appeal to hikers to exercise caution, even on well-known routes. The organisation warned that weather changes, difficult terrain, and route deviations can quickly turn dangerous, even for experienced hikers.
The series of incidents serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in mountain hiking and the vital role played by rescue services in responding to emergencies across the Western Cape.
