An injured German tourist stranded on the Karbonkelberg hiking trail in Table Mountain National Park is expected to make a full recovery following an overnight rescue. 

He and his wife had set off on a coastal hike from Llandudno to Hout Bay on Sunday (September 27), when the husband injured his ankle and struggled to walk shortly after passing the Boss 400 wreck. 

Online navigation 

They had been following an online navigation app that did not reflect the current condition of the trail, including sections that were overgrown and difficult to navigate. 

Exhausted, the pair turned back towards Llandudno. Facing a challenging section of the trail, they decided to call emergency services for assistance. 

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics and SANParks – Table Mountain National Park rangers, were deployed to assist. 

Difficult terrain 

WSAR spokesperson David Nel said the terrain was treacherous, with strong winds and fading light.  

“The decision was made to remain on scene with the hikers overnight rather than attempt a descent in deteriorating conditions. Our specialist WSAR trail runners stepped up, carrying tents, sleeping bags and other essential gear up the trail,” he added.  

Yesterday morning (September 28), an attempt to extract the hikers by helicopter was aborted due to strong winds. 

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was called in to assist. 

The spokesperson for the NSRI, Craig Lambinon, said that during the high-angle technical rescue, the couple were lowered using climbing ropes to the foot of a cliff face and onto rocks on the shoreline. 

Both hikers were transported using an NSRI Croc (small floating rescue craft), assisted by NSRI rescue swimmers.  

“The patient and his wife were then floated out from the rocks to the NSRI [Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat] rescue craft, with NSRI rescue swimmers in attendance. Once safely on board the NSRI RHIB, they were both brought out to sea, beyond the surf zone and transferred onto the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Ubuntu,” Lambinon explained.  
 
The couple were transported to the NSRI Hout Bay rescue base.  

Full recovery 

“The patient, who was in a stable condition and recovering well from the injury, was able to return with his wife to their vehicle, and no further assistance was required. He is expected to make a full recovery,” Lambinon added. 

Nel highlighted the challenging conditions on the stretch of coastline. 

“The trail along this stretch of coastline is in particularly treacherous condition, with areas that are overgrown and virtually impassable, making it extremely challenging for both hikers and rescuers. There have also been several reported incidents of crime in the area and we strongly advise hikers to avoid this route,” Nel said. 

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