Elaborate Hout Bay rescue: German tourists misled by ‘hiking app’

A hike from Llandudno to Hout Bay turned into an overnight rescue mission after a German tourist injured his ankle near the Boss 400 wreck.

The 38-year-old man and his partner had been following an online navigation app that did not reflect the current condition of the trail.

According to Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), parts of the coastal route are overgrown, difficult to navigate and hazardous.

The pair decided to turn back towards Llandudno after the man began struggling to walk.

However, the German visitors encountered an especially difficult section of the trail and called for help late on Sunday afternoon.

German tourists stranded near Boss 400

WSAR teams, including Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics and SANParks Table Mountain National Park SEAM team and rangers, were deployed.

With strong winds, fading light and treacherous terrain, rescuers decided it was safer to remain with the hikers overnight.

Specialist WSAR trail runners also carried tents, sleeping bags and other essential equipment to the stranded pair.

A helicopter extraction was attempted shortly after 08:00 on Monday morning.

However, strong winds forced the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter to abandon the operation.

The rescue plan was then changed, with additional WSAR members brought in to assist with a technical descent.

60-metre descent before an unusual boat rescue

The injured German hiker was carefully lowered approximately 60 metres down granite slabs to the coastline.

NSRI teams were waiting below with rescue boats.

The two hikers were then floated, one at a time, in a small inflatable canoe to the waiting vessels before being taken safely ashore in Hout Bay.

The operation was finally concluded shortly after 12:00 on Monday.

WSAR spokesperson David Nel said the rescue demonstrated the importance of cooperation between emergency services.

“This rescue was a great example of what collaboration looks like,” Nel said.

He also warned that the coastal trail is currently in a particularly poor condition.

“The trail along this stretch of coastline is in a particularly treacherous condition, he said. “It has areas that are overgrown and virtually impassable, making it extremely challenging for both hikers and rescuers.”

Nel added that several incidents of crime had also been reported in the area, with WSAR strongly advising hikers to avoid the route.

The Boss 400 wreck lies off the coast between Llandudno and Hout Bay, along the Karbonkelberg coastline within the greater Table Mountain National Park.

Cape Town’s official coastal information notes that the route towards Hout Bay has been washed away in places and is considered dangerous even by experienced hikers.

“There have also been several reported incidents of crime in the area, and we strongly advise hikers to avoid this route,” Nel added.