Firefighters from the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service responded to an alert of two people stuck in a void in a canal in the Pinelands area on Sunday. The pair were reportedly unable to get out, as the water levels were rising rapidly.

According to the City, firefighters set up the ropes and had a ladder on standby for an emergency rescue. The team then assisted Metro Rescue Teams, who dressed in wetsuits and harnesses, to get to the trapped individuals.

An adult male and female were treated for hypothermia and transported to the hospital.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says this incident was the third major technical rescue in just four weeks.

Smith says the others were the rescue of a woman who fell into a drain in Bonteheuwel and Sable the canine in Durbanville. Both incidents have positive outcomes.

“These incidents highlight the critical need for such services, and it makes us proud to be able to call on such a resource in times of trouble.”

Smith says teams were also able to showcase our hazmat capabilities during a chemical reaction incident in Montague Gardens earlier this year. He added that these are all indicators of the resource and technical investment in the Fire Service and overall public safety efforts.

Rope Rescue Technicians are specialised firefighters trained in high-angle, low-angle, and confined space environments, utilising ropes, harnesses, and rigging systems for patient access and rescue.

To report any emergency incident, call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.