The hiker was situated in a treacherous position, making a helicopter rescue necessary.
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EANUTS AND JUNGLE Energy Bars aren’t exactly what you envisage for a Father’s Day lunch but sometimes when you’re a Sea Rescue volunteer, that’s what ends up on the menu. On Sunday 21 June, Garth Dominy, the station commander at Station 23 (Wilderness) received a call from a group of hikers. It was 10h40 in the morning and they had been making their way along a coastal trail near Herold’s Bay. One of their party, a 65-year-old local resident, had separated from the group, climbed up a cliff and was unable to go any further. The steep and slippery path was south-facing and therefore also covered with moss and dripping water. As a result, it would be extremely treacherous for him to try to climb back down. It was clear to the rest 34 |
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of the hiking group that they needed to call for assistance. The incident happened on a remote stretch of coastline with intermittent cellphone signal. Judging from the description of the area given by the hiker who called it in, Garth suspected it was likely below the old George shooting range. He asked for a map pin to be sent to him to confirm the location. The caller had to hike up a section of the path to get a better signal, but when the pin came through, Garth’s decision was on point. Station 23 crew launched the 5,5m Spirit of Rotary from the base, while the 4,2 RIB ClemenGold Rescuer was towed to Herold’s Bay. Metro EMS and the Western Cape Department of Health EMS/ AMS rescue helicopter were placed on standby.
PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY AMS, GRANT JEROME (NSRI)
Steep cliffs, a treacherous and slippery south-facing path and a challenging stretch of rocky shoreline near Herold’s Bay made for a dramatic rescue on a sunny Sunday morning when most people were enjoying quality time with their loved ones. By Cherelle Leong
