Human Interest
Dhlomo praises EMS after dramatic mountain search─── 05:54 Thu, 16 Jul 2015
Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo has praised the Emergency Medical Services team who worked in conjunction with the South African National Defence Air Force (SANDF) and the Mountain Club of SA, to rescue a man stuck in the Drakensberg Mountains since Tuesday. The man, believed to be a French national, is being transported back to an Airbase in Durban.
In a statement on Wednesday, EMS spokesperson Robert Mckenzie said the department's EMS operational centre received the call at about 13:00 on Tuesday that there was a man stuck at Mweni Northern Drakensberg.
While a rescue operation was initiated, bad weather and non-communication with the man prevented rescuers from reaching him.
"The SANDF air force was asked to assist especially with its helicopter, which is conducive for mountainous terrain. At midday today [Wednesday], after an intensive search, the 30-year-old man was finally located," he said.
"He had scrambled down a waterfall where he could not climb out. The rescue personnel climbed down the mountain to reach him and he was screened by the KwaZulu-Natal Advanced Life Support Paramedic who found him to be in good health and without injuries."
Said Dhlomo: "We are all relieved that the man has been found alive and without injuries, even though he lost all his possessions that included his tent and backpack in this ordeal. I would like to congratulate all involved for a job well done."
- News24.com
While a rescue operation was initiated, bad weather and non-communication with the man prevented rescuers from reaching him.
"The SANDF air force was asked to assist especially with its helicopter, which is conducive for mountainous terrain. At midday today [Wednesday], after an intensive search, the 30-year-old man was finally located," he said.
"He had scrambled down a waterfall where he could not climb out. The rescue personnel climbed down the mountain to reach him and he was screened by the KwaZulu-Natal Advanced Life Support Paramedic who found him to be in good health and without injuries."
Said Dhlomo: "We are all relieved that the man has been found alive and without injuries, even though he lost all his possessions that included his tent and backpack in this ordeal. I would like to congratulate all involved for a job well done."
- News24.com
