A rescue operation was launched at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town yesterday, after two construction workers became trapped when a trench collapsed during infrastructure repair work at the V&A’s East Pier.

The Witness reports that according to media reports, the incident occurred during a scheduled repair project, prompting emergency services to respond within minutes as concerns grew about the stability of the site.

Donald Kau, the head of communications for the V&A Waterfront, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying safety structures played a critical role in preventing serious injury.

“We have had a trench collapse on an infrastructure repairs project. Two workers were trapped, but saved by the protection shoring that is part of the trench they were working in. Both workers have been retrieved and are receiving medical attention. City Fire and Rescue were on site and carrying out the retrieval,” Kau said.

Emergency services respond

Police, Cape Town metro officers and paramedics were deployed to the scene and continued to co-ordinate operations while ensuring the area was secured.

Sources at the site said teams worked cautiously to stabilise the trench and avoid further movement of the surrounding ground during the rescue operation.

Witnesses described a tense scene as colleagues and emergency personnel supported efforts to retrieve the trapped workers safely.

Workers freed and taken for assessment

Both workers were eventually freed and taken for medical assessment. Their conditions were not immediately confirmed.

The V&A Waterfront advised members of the public to avoid the immediate area while emergency responders completed their work and ensured the site was safe.

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