A multi-disciplinary rescue effort brought a young Stellenbosch University student to safety on Monday, after he was left stranded for nearly 24 hours along the Elandspad River in Du Toitskloof, following flash flooding.
The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when a group of four hikers made the responsible decision to turn back due to deteriorating weather conditions. However, by the time they returned to the river crossing, conditions had changed dramatically. Heavy runoff had caused the river to swell into a fast-moving, hazardous torrent.
Three members of the group narrowly managed to cross before the river became completely impassable.
Recognising the danger, they did not attempt to return across the water to assist their friend. Instead, they made their way to higher ground to find cellular reception and called the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) emergency number on 021 937 0300.
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched. But on arrival, rescuers were met with extreme conditions.
The river had risen to such an extent that sections of the trail were completely submerged, forcing teams to navigate exposed terrain and scramble over a buttress to avoid the powerful current.
Reaching the bank opposite the stranded hiker, rescuers assessed multiple options to cross the river. However, the force and volume of the water, compounded by fading light which made it increasingly difficult to accurately read the conditions, rendered any crossing attempt too dangerous.
A decision was made to wait for the water level to recede, prioritising safety while maintaining close oversight of the patient.
A small team remained on scene overnight, monitoring both the water levels and the condition of the stranded hiker, maintaining visual contact and ensuring he knew they were not far away.
In the early hours of Monday morning, conditions began to improve. As the water level dropped, a rescuer successfully threw a line across the river. Using the rope, essential supplies including hot tea, warm dry clothing, energy snacks, and a two-way radio were ferried across in a dry bag.
A rescue helicopter was later deployed to expedite the extraction. A rescuer was inserted to assist the young man into a harness, and he was safely airlifted to a nearby landing zone at the Du Kloof Lodge.
From there, he was transferred to a waiting ambulance and transported to hospital for further assessment and care. The rescue operation was concluded at around noon on Monday.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel has urged hikers to always check the weather forecast before heading out, avoid activities near rivers during and after rainfall, and never attempt to cross swollen or fast-flowing water.
“We cannot stress this enough: rivers are dynamic systems. What looks manageable in the morning can become life-threatening within minutes after rainfall. Distance, depth, and speed are all extremely deceptive in moving water.”
Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number: 021 937 0300
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