Foursome of thirsty hikers saved by efficient PBCPA intervention
Members of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) gathered at The Market Square last Saturday to raise funds for crime prevention efforts in KwaNokuthula.
PBCPA spokesperson Ina Olivier said a “humungous thank you” to everyone who popped in at the meet and greet occasion, with Covid-l9 all protocols in place.
“The Kwano Crime Prevention Response Scooter fundraiser was well supported. Kind donations ensured we are on our way to achieving the goal of buying response scooters, but there’s a long way to go still,” she said.
Donations or sponsorships for crime-prevention operations and equipment are most welcome and can be channelled to a specific part of PBCPA operations – use the following as a reference: PSTRU, Kwano Scooter, NWG equipment, volunteer patrollers, fuel expenses, control room, or general operational expenses.
The PBCPA played a pivotal role in a rescue operation on Friday just after 12 noon, when executive member Wesley Andrew alerted his colleagues of four hikers lost in thick forest skirting the Harkerville coastline.
They went out for a trail walk at about 5 am that morning, starting off at the SAN Parks Harkerville office to do Perde-kop Trail, but went off the trail towards Sinclair. One of the hikers informed her mother per phone that they were lost.
While responding, operations head Otto Olivier got hold of one of the hikers and assisted her in downloading the Life360 app on her phone, enabling him to pinpoint their location.
The drone was launched to assess the hikers* situation and it was found that they had run out of water and needed assistance ASAP.
NSRI Station 14 commander Mark Rogers escalated the operation to Metro Search & Rescue. who was joined by SAPS K9 and SAN Parks officials attempting to reach the lost hikers, while the PBCPA drone delivered water to ensure they could rehydrate. Unfortunately, the rescue per foot failed, as the terrain was too dangerous. Eden Search & Rescue then decided to activate its helicopter to airlift the hikers to safety.
After a debrief the operations were concluded.
“A sincere thank you goes to all the role-players involved, and special thanks to the four hikers for strictly following the instructions and advice of the Eden Metro rescuers, which resulted in a successful rescue,” said Olivier.
Always remember when hiking:
• Stay on the trails as indicated:
• Pre-plan your route;
• Very importantly, know your own capabilities;
• Always take extra water,
• Inform friends or relatives of your planned route and the estimated time it will take, then set a contact time to enable proactive emergency response.
It is imperative to save emergency numbers on your phone -especially Eden Metro Search & Rescue on I0177 – and to download the Life360 app.