Student Rescued After 24 Hours Stranded by Flash Floods

When heavy rains hit Du Toitskloof last Monday, four university friends made the smart call to turn back from their hike. But the Elandspad River had other plans.

By the time the group reached their crossing point, the water had transformed into a raging current. Three hikers made it across just before conditions turned deadly.

The fourth wasn't so lucky. Stranded on the opposite bank, he faced nearly 24 hours in cold, wet conditions while his friends climbed to higher ground to call for help.

Wilderness Search and Rescue teams arrived quickly, but the swollen river had already consumed parts of the trail. With darkness falling and water levels still rising, attempting a crossing would have meant risking more lives.

The rescue team made the hard choice to wait. They stayed on scene through the cold night, monitoring the river and keeping watch so the student knew he wasn't alone.

The Bright Side

When dawn broke Monday morning, the water finally dropped just enough. Rescuers got a line across the river and sent over warm clothes, hot food, and a two-way radio.

"That early morning breakthrough was a turning point," said WSAR spokesperson David Nel. "It stabilised a rapidly evolving situation and gave the patient renewed reassurance that help was actively closing in."

With communication established and conditions improving, a rescue helicopter completed the mission. A rescuer lowered down, secured the student, and airlifted him to safety.

The student was checked at hospital and sent home the same day. Nel praised both the rescue team's patience and the hikers' decision not to risk another crossing when conditions worsened.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is wait for help to arrive safely.