Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - While the Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail is breathtaking, hikers have once again been reminded to heed warnings before taking on the walk after a tourist from the Netherlands sustained serious injuries in a fall along the trail. 

Upon receiving the information that the 37-year-old woman fell on the trail near Island Beach, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) volunteers in Plettenberg Bay launched into action.

The station commander, Jaco Kruger, said the crew were activated just before 17:30 on Wednesday 23 May.

"An NSRI rescue team hiked to the patient while the NSRI rescue craft Ray Farnham Rescuer was launched," Kruger said. He added that while hikers reached the patient, the rescue craft beached in the outgoing tide without incident. Western Cape Health emergency services were also notified.

"The patient, in a serious but stable condition, was secured onto a stretcher and taken onboard the NSRI rescue craft."

Due to darkness falling across the bay, illuminating flares were used to light up the surf for the rescue craft to launch into the surf from the beach. "The patient was brought to our NSRI Plettenberg Bay Station 14 rescue base and transported to hospital by EMS ambulance for further care," Kruger said.

The hiking party that the injured woman was a part of, were assisted in making their way back to the Robberg Nature Reserve car park without incident.

Breathtaking views along the Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trail. Photo: Yolande Stander

Hikers must be well-prepared

Over the years many hikers have been injured at Robberg and many rescue operations have had to be carried out.

CapeNature in a statement said that most of the incidents were largely as a result of hikers overestimating their own physical abilities. They further said that hikers often ignore the route markers and maps, take shortcuts, do activities with a high-risk factor despite not having medical assistance nearby, do not wear the appropriate clothing and shoes, and do not provide for water or food.

The NSRI also recently said that there had been a significant increase in emergency response incidents along this hiking trail in recent months.

"Day walkers, perhaps thinking that the Robberg hiking trail is an easy hike and may be a gentle walk, are often surprised at just how gruelling this hiking trail can be," they said. "Carry sufficient water, hydration, food and supplements. Wear proper sealed running, hiking, walking or trainer shoes. Wear a hat, preferably long-sleeve clothing, and fully charged cellphone communication. Wear sunscreen."

The NSRI said that even the shorter walk, which cuts through the sand dunes and almost halves the hiking distance, is still a gruelling day hike.

The full hike, which is just more than 9km, can take several hours to complete. CapeNature suggests wearing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat and advises not to take on the hike alone. It is also suggested to carry enough food and water, carrying a warm jacket or raincoat during colder months, keeping a relevant map of the area on hand, taking a field medical kit and to obey all signage.

Hikers have been urged to familiarise themselves with the terrain and the safety protocol before taking on the trail.

In case of an emergency, Plett NSRI can be contacted on 082 990 5975.

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