Austrian paraglider injured after emergency landing in Genadendal
A visiting Austrian paraglider was rescued from a remote mountainside near Genadendal after deploying his emergency parachute during a long-distance flight. The complex operation was concluded shortly before 7pm on Saturday.
Image: John Davids/WSAR
A long-distance paragliding flight ended in a complex rescue operation on Saturday afternoon after a visiting Austrian pilot was injured during an emergency landing on a remote mountainside near Genadendal.
The 49-year-old paraglider triggered an emergency response from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) after deploying his reserve parachute mid-flight and coming down in rugged terrain.
According to information released after the incident, the pilot had launched from Rusty Gate Mountain Retreat on the mountain pass between Villiersdorp and Greyton. He had already covered approximately 153km in just over two hours when deteriorating weather conditions forced him to deploy the emergency chute.
Despite a hard landing, the paraglider was able to use his cellphone to call for help, triggering the coordinated rescue effort.
Challenging flying conditions prevented the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service helicopter from reaching the patient directly. Instead, a small rescue team was inserted higher up on the ridge and made its way down on foot to reach him.
Once on scene, the injured pilot was assessed and stabilised by a provincial EMS paramedic before being carefully assisted to a safer location. He was then hoisted from the mountainside by helicopter and flown to a nearby landing zone.
From there, the man was transferred to an ambulance and transported to hospital for further medical treatment. The operation was concluded shortly before 7pm.
Emergency services extended thanks to all responding teams, local farmers and partner agencies who assisted in the rescue, and wished the patient a speedy recovery.