Dedicated teams of professionals and volunteers from Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) were activated to assist SAPS WPDS with a body recovery on Thursday afternoon.
Teams were dispatched to Boyes Drive late on Thursday after being notified by SAPS that a hiker had fallen.
A drone from the Western Cape Government – Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Drone Unit was used to locate the patient.
Once the patient’s location had been identified, team members hiked up to the scene.
The deceased was placed onto a stretcher.
The Terra Tamer, a high-tech all-terrain wheel, was attached to the stretcher and teams were able to quickly carry the body down the mountain.
Once off the mountain, the remains were taken into the care of Forensic Pathology.
According to a WSAR spokesperson, David Nel: “This piece of equipment [Terra Tamer] is a game changer for us.
“Stretcher carries require fewer team members and we’re able to move significantly faster, even in challenging technical terrain.
“The purchase of this piece of equipment would not have been possible without the generous donations made by members of the public.”
“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Nel said.
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
• Members of the public are reminded to save and memorise the WSAR Emergency Contact Number, 021 937 0300.
Photos provided by Brent Russel and Grant Duncan-Smith
