Five Hikers Rescued From Snowbound Drakensberg Peak After Cold Snap
- A group of five hikers became stranded on Sentinel Peak in the Drakensberg after heavy snowfall cut off their escape route
- Search and Rescue teams from Gauteng and the Free State, along with ER24 paramedics, launched a challenging operation to reach the group
- A rescue spokesperson warned the situation could have turned far more serious and urged hikers to prepare for winter emergencies
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Source: Getty Images
KWAZULU-NATAL - Five hikers were brought to safety after being stranded on Sentinel Peak in the Drakensberg following a bout of severe snowfall that left them unable to descend. The group had been stuck on the mountain since Monday night, with dwindling food and water supplies raising alarm among rescuers.
Search and Rescue teams from Gauteng and the Free State mobilised alongside ER24 paramedics to reach the hikers. According to Kyle Nesbitt of the Search and Rescue Association of South Africa, teams first set up a forward operating base at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge before beginning their push towards the peak.
Rescue teams battle snow and ice
Getting to the hikers was no small feat. Rescue vehicles had to be fitted with snow chains to handle the icy roads, and a SHERP all-terrain vehicle was brought in to tackle the snow-covered mountain terrain. The stretch from the base to Sentinel Parking, a distance of roughly seven kilometres, took teams close to two hours to cover under the brutal conditions.
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When rescuers finally reached the stranded group, they conducted medical checks and handed out food, warm clothing and other essential supplies. Fortunately, all five hikers were in stable condition and none needed urgent medical attention. They were then safely guided back down the mountain.
Hikers urged to plan for winter emergencies
Nesbitt said the hikers kept their spirits up despite the ordeal, but he was clear that a delay in the rescue could have made things significantly worse.
He used the incident to urge anyone planning a winter hike to carry enough food and supplies to last at least 48 hours. Proper cold-weather and rain gear is essential, he added, and hikers should have an emergency plan sorted before heading into remote areas.
The rescue took place as parts of South Africa continue to battle harsh winter conditions, with snowfall and heavy rain disrupting travel and keeping disaster management teams on high alert across several regions.
Hiker found alive in the Drakensberg mountains
Briefly News also reported that a hiker was found alive in the southern Drakensberg after vanishing in the mountains during one of the region's most brutal winter spells. The man went missing while hiking through the Garden Castle Nature Reserve, setting off an urgent overnight search operation in freezing conditions. Mobilised teams worked through the night in snow and sub-zero temperatures, searching for any sign of the missing man. The search paid off on Tuesday when rescuers located the hiker near Rhino Peak. He was alive, but the cold had taken a toll. He was transported to hospital immediately for treatment.
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Source: Briefly News
