Successful Remote Cliffside Rescue in the Eastern Cape

Author: Shaun Schoeman, ROCKET Flight Emergency Care Practitioner

On the late afternoon of May 17th, ROCKET dispatchers were alerted to an emergency involving a motorcyclist who had fallen approximately 20 meters down a cliff in a remote, mountainous area in the northern part of the Eastern Cape. The incident occurred while two adventure motorcyclists were navigating a challenging mountain pass—typically suited for 4x4 vehicles, mountaineers, and adventure enthusiasts—en route to their evening destination. Approximately 350 meters from their intended stopover, one of the motorcycles reportedly lost traction and veered off the edge, taking its rider down the cliffside.

This incident initiated a prolonged rescue operation that concluded in the early hours of the following morning, with the four-member rescue team returning to Kimberley at 02:06 AM.

Challenging Rescue Mission in Lesotho's Rugged Terrain: Cliffside Rescue in the Eastern Cape

The scene was located near the southern border of Lesotho, deep within rugged terrain characterised by cliffs, mountains, rivers, and valleys—making access extremely difficult. Due to the inaccessibility of the site, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) was activated. Extensive pre-flight planning was conducted by two senior pilots, while the onboard medics prepared for the mission.

The flight to the patient took approximately two hours and twelve minutes. During the flight, intermittent communication updates were provided regarding weather conditions, available support, and the patient’s status. However, limited signal coverage and the remote nature of the area significantly hampered real-time communication.

A makeshift landing zone was identified by a local individual familiar with the area, who positioned his vehicle with headlights and hazard lights on to guide the helicopter. He was quickly spotted as the helicopter flew over the valley toward the coordinates provided. After completing an aerial circuit to assess the landing zone, the pilots determined it was safe to land.

Urgent Medical Extraction: Navigating Treacherous Terrain to Aid a Patient

Upon landing, and prior to engine shutdown, the medics consulted with the local guide, learning that only six individuals—including the two medics and two pilots—were available to assist in the extraction. By 21:00, the temperature had begun to drop, increasing the urgency of the mission.

All necessary medical equipment was loaded into the back of an 80 Series Land Cruiser, and the team was guided down a treacherous path toward the patient. One medic descended to perform an initial assessment and relayed instructions to the rest of the team. The patient was found precariously positioned on a large, jagged rock amid numerous boulders. Due to the terrain, the most viable extraction route required descending a further 10 meters, contouring away from the vehicle path, and then ascending back up to meet the 4x4 track approximately five meters below.

The patient was conscious, alert, and in significant pain during the initial assessment. Equipment and medications were prepared at the vehicle, with only essential items carried down to minimize weight and reduce the risk of equipment snags during the climb.

Successful High-Risk Rescue Highlights Teamwork and Preparedness in Remote Emergency Response

Following treatment, the six-person team carried the patient out of the hazardous area. Navigating the massive rocks with unstable footing proved physically demanding, especially in the thin air at 8,000 feet above sea level. Most team members had removed their jackets due to the physical strain of the climb.

After nearly an hour, the team successfully reached the 4x4 track, where the patient was safely loaded into the vehicle and transported to the helicopter for onward transfer to a medical facility in Bloemfontein. En route, further assessments confirmed the patient remained stable, with no additional complications.

Thanks to the dedication, coordination, and expertise of all involved, a complex and high-risk rescue was successfully executed in one of the most isolated regions of the country—demonstrating the critical importance of teamwork and preparedness in remote emergency response.