A desperate situation on the trails near Porterville ended with a collective sigh of relief on Sunday evening after an elderly couple was rescued from life-threatening heat.
Cape Town, South Africa (20 March 2026) – The heatwave in Cape Town has reportedly been unforgiving, and for an elderly couple who recently attempted a hike up the 22Waterfalls hiking route near Porterville, it quickly became dangerous.
The couple had started their hike at about 9 am on Sunday, but found themselves suffering from the rising heat and lost their trail, further compounding the situation.
They eventually called the Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) emergency number for help when the 68-year-old husband began to take strain in the hot conditions, showing signs of heat-related illness and dehydration.
Rescue teams were dispatched, and a small team aboard the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was deployed to locate the couple.
The gentleman was treated on scene by a paramedic before being airlifted to a nearby landing zone for further care. His wife was also flown from the scene to safety.
During the operation, a second couple on the same route was identified as needing assistance. Once the initial evacuation was complete, a medic hiked in to reach them. They were provided with food and water and safely assisted off the trail.
The incident concluded shortly after 6 pm, with everyone safely off the trail.
“Following extremely warm conditions over the past few days, we want to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to take extra precautions when heading outdoors in hot weather. Start early, carry sufficient water, plan your route carefully and turn back before conditions become overwhelming. Recognising the early signs of heat exhaustion and calling for help sooner can prevent situations from escalating,” WSAR said.
The rescue team wishes the elderly hiker a speedy recovery and thanks all responding teams for their coordinated efforts in challenging conditions.
Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number for future reference: 021 937 0300
You can also support WSAR’s life-saving mission by donating here.
Sources: Wilderness Search And Rescue Western Cape
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