GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A local man (34) and his daughter (11) caused quite a stir after they decided to spend lockdown camping in a remote area near Silver River in Wilderness with a kitten and a dog.
The man’s sister phoned the NSRI on Tuesday 31 March after learning in a phone call from the campers that they were low on rations. The call was dropped, however, and the sister was concerned. She told the NSRI that she had dropped off her brother and niece at the start of a hiking trail on Thursday 26 March.
NSRI Wilderness station commander, Garth Dominy, said the man’s brother, who had also been alerted, gave them an indication of where the campsite was. Western Cape Government Health EMS, Wilderness Search and Rescue and the police were notified and a search was initiated.
“Four NSRI crew members volunteered to do a preliminary reconnaissance of the area immediately and an initial search lasting until 23:00 was carried out by the NSRI on Tuesday night. Dense vegetation however made access to the area unsafe to continue a search at night,” said Dominy.
On Wednesday morning, 1 April, the search continued. George Fire and Rescue Services also attended the briefing and the police were updated. Permission was obtained from a farm owner to hike through his property to reach the remote, dense bush where the camping site was believed to be.
The campers were found safe and sound. “They were however surprised that a search had been activated for them and they were extremely apologetic for the fuss caused and grateful for their family’s concerns,” said Dominy. “They were busy packing up to return home when they were found. The search party assisted in clearing the campsite and the father, his daughter, the kitten and dog were safely taken home.”
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