PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A hike at the iconic Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area turned into a life-threatening ordeal for London tourists Rosalind Innes and her husband last week, but the swift action of CapeNature staff prevented what could have been a tragedy.
The outing took a sudden and dangerous turn when Innes slipped on a narrow, rocky section of the trail. She sustained a broken ankle, leaving her immobilised in a remote, rugged area as weather conditions rapidly worsened.
Stranded and faced with her severe pain, the couple faced a grim reality: the uneven terrain made self-evacuation impossible, and Innes required constant physical support to remain stable.
Rescue
Help arrived thanks to the quick thinking of Vuyani Charlie, a general worker with CapeNature's Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Charlie was conducting routine trail maintenance on a nearby boardwalk when Innes' husband alerted him to the emergency.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, he reassured the couple before climbing to higher ground to obtain a cellphone signal.
He then contacted field rangers Charles Minnaar and Petrus Lamini, who were carrying out maintenance work on the Island section of the reserve at the time.
Reaching the injured hiker proved challenging due to the distance between the Island and the Point.
Undeterred, the three men - Charlie, Minnaar and Lamini - co-ordinated a demanding rescue operation.
They navigated slippery rocks, carefully supported Innes' injured leg and shielded her from the deteriorating weather conditions.
Rosalind flanked by two of her rescuers, Vuyani Charlie (left) and Petrus Lamini (right). Photos: CapeNature
For a gruelling four hours, the rescuers showed physical endurance and seamless teamwork before they carried her out of the remote area to safety.
Innes, who is now recovering, said she remains deeply moved by the experience.
Medical treatment
"I truly do not know what I would have done without them," she said.
"I owe them my life, particularly Vuyani Charlie, as I was simply not strong enough to get out on my own.
They kept me calm and safe, and supported me both physically and mentally through a horrendous ordeal."
After her evacuation, Innes was transported to a local hospital for the necessary medical treatment.
Ashley Naidoo, chief executive officer of CapeNature, praised the staff's response as exemplary of the organisation's commitment.
"Field rangers play a critical role beyond conservation duties, often acting as first responders in emergencies within protected areas.
"Their rapid assessment, co-ordinated response and sustained effort over several hours ensured the safe recovery and evacuation of a stranded hiker under challenging conditions. They turned a potentially devastating situation into a story of hope, resilience and teamwork," Naidoo said.
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