Rescue teams joined forces to save a stranded herd of goats at the base of a cliff, in Stoffelton, Impendle at the weekend.

The teams included members from the Specialised Tactical Accident Rescue Team (S.T.A.R.T), the Ballito Specialised Rescue Unit (SRU) and Netcare 911. The goats were trapped by the rising water levels of the Umkomazi River.

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According to S.T.A.R.T’s spokesperson, Andreas Mathios, the goats were stranded for at least four days at the base of the cliff.

“The SPCA Howick sent out a request for assistance and S.T.A.R.T immediately responded by organising a rescue operation together with SRU Ballito, who started planning the logistics of the operation in partnership with SPCA Howick,” said Mathios.

The rescue teams, alongside many volunteers, left Durban at 5am on Saturday, January 15, to respond to the scene.

“On arrival, volunteers found nine goats stuck at the base of the cliff. Volunteers used a rope and boat system, including a technical rope set up to rescue the animals. All nine goats were finally brought to safety after a 3.5-hour operation. None of the animals were injured,” he said.

S.T.A.R.T is a volunteer organisation that comprises its own members and other volunteer organisations, as well as permanent rescue services.