The body of a missing paraglider pilot has been found in Porterville.  

In a statement on Tuesday, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirmed the discovery after a search for the man the day prior.  

The ARCC said it activated emergency services on Monday after it received a report that a paraglider had failed to return to the designated landing area.  

A search began with teams from the ARCC, West Coast Emergency Medical Services, the SAPS, K9 Search and Rescue Association and AMS Helicopter taking part. 

However, the ARCC noted that efforts were delayed on Monday. 

“Adverse weather conditions, including heavy cloud cover, forced the suspension of the overnight search. At first light on 18 August 2026, search and rescue teams resumed operations from the staging area,” said ARCC Chief of Operations, Gregory Critchley, in a statement.

The paraglider, whom the police have identified as a 69-year-old man, was later found in the search zone, having sustained fatal injuries.  

The Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.  

“Porterville police registered an inquest for investigation after the body of a 69-year-old male was found in the Groot Winterhoek mountain, in Porterville, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026… A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” said Twigg.  

The ARCC added that an investigation will also be done by the “Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) in collaboration with the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA)”. 

“The ARCC extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the pilot during this difficult time.”