French national rescued at the Drakensberg mountains
KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has given full praise to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team that worked in conjunction with the South African National Defence Air Force and the Mountain Club of South Africa to rescue a man stuck in Drakensberg Mountains since yesterday.
The Department’s EMS Operational Centre received a call around 13h00 yesterday (July 14) saying there was a man said to be stuck at Mweni Northern Drakensburg Mountain. A rescue operation was then initiated but due to bad weather and non-communication with the patient, contact could not be made.
The South African Air Force was asked to assist especially with its helicopter, which is conducive for mountainous terrains. At midday today, after an intensive search, a 30 year old male was finally located.
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.
The 30 year old male, said to be from France, was assisted to the SANDF ORYNIX helicopter which is now transporting him back to the Airbase in Durban.
‘We are all relieved that the man has been found alive and without injuries, even though he lost all his possession that included his tent and backpack in this ordeal. I would like to congratulate all involved for a job well done,’’ says KZN Health MEC Dhlomo.
