GEORGE NEWS - A local fisherman (50) was rescued in a challenging operation after falling and injuring himself while hiking back towards his vehicle at the Gwaiing river mouth on Saturday 24 August.
The incident occurred at approximately 14:29 when the 50-year-old man, who was fishing with his son and a friend, slipped and fell at least 10m from the ledge, landing between the rocks.
Mike Vonk, NSRI Wilderness station commander, said the man sustained severe injuries and was unable to move. Emergency services were immediately alerted.
A coordinated response was initiated, involving NSRI Wilderness rescue crew, George Fire and Rescue Services, Western Cape Government Health EMS rescue squad, and ER24 ambulance services. Upon arrival, paramedics found the injured man and began medical treatment.
Due to the challenging location, the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was activated and the NSRI crew assisted in preparing a landing zone at the Gwaiing campsite.
"In a well-executed technical rescue, the helicopter deployed a Baumann’s basket stretcher, which was hoisted down to the paramedics. The patient was secured in the stretcher and airlifted to the landing zone, where he was further stabilised before being transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance," said Vonk.
The man remains in a serious but stable condition as he receives further medical treatment.
The NSRI commended the emergency services for their swift and professional response in rescuing the injured fisherman from the difficult terrain.
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