On Saturday afternoon, dedicated teams from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape responded to an emergency at Suikerbossie Restaurant and Estate after receiving a call that a hiker had fallen while descending Llandudno Ravine above Hout Bay.
Female hiker survives Llandudno Ravine fall
The 47-year-old woman was part of a group of eight hikers who had set out earlier that morning to hike up Corridor Ravine, walk across the Twelve Apostles, and descend to Suikerbossie.
The group began their descent down Llandudno Ravine when the woman stepped awkwardly, causing her to tumble a short distance down the trail.
Realising she was injured and unable to continue, her companions quickly contacted emergency services at.
WSAR immediately dispatched a hasty team to locate and assist the fallen hiker.
Rescuers reached the group and assessed the situation, deciding that an aerial evacuation was necessary due to the hiker’s injuries and the terrain’s difficulty.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness EMS, in coordination with the Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter, was called in to assist with the evacuation.
The rescue team helped the injured hiker a short distance up the trail to a location where the helicopter could safely land. The helicopter arrived, and the woman was carefully assisted into it and flown to a nearby landing zone for further medical attention.
The quick response and efficient coordination among the rescue teams were crucial in ensuring her safety and timely medical care.
Meanwhile, the remaining members of the hiking group were assisted down the rest of the trail by the rescue teams. Despite the challenging circumstances, all hikers were safely off the mountain shortly after 18:30.
Is the Llandudno Ravine dangerous?
Llandudno Ravine, like many mountain trails, can pose certain dangers, particularly for those who are inexperienced or unprepared. Here are some factors that can contribute to the risk:
- Steep and Rocky Terrain: The ravine features steep, rocky paths that can be challenging to navigate, especially during descents.
- Weather Conditions: Sudden changes in weather can make the trail slippery and visibility poor, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Loose Footing: Loose rocks and gravel can cause hikers to lose their footing, leading to slips and falls.
- Fitness and Experience: The trail can be demanding, requiring a good level of fitness and hiking experience. Inexperienced hikers may find the terrain difficult to manage.
- Limited Access to Emergency Services: In case of an accident, reaching and evacuating injured hikers can be challenging and may require specialized rescue operations, as seen in the recent incident involving the 47-year-old hiker.
- Navigation Challenges: The trail can be difficult to navigate, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area. Good navigational skills and proper planning are essential.