Unconscious teen rescued from Lion's Head after wild night out

Lester Kiewit interviews David Nel, spokesperson for the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).

Listen below.

A team comprising of professionals and volunteers from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) swiftly responded to a call regarding an unconscious teenager near the summit of Lion’s Head late on Saturday evening. 

Kosta Papageorgiou, the chairperson of Friends of Lions Head and Signal Hill, recounted his experience while ascending Lion’s Head around 7:30 as part of his daily climb for the Lion Unlimited Project, aiming to summit the peak 1000 times.

He was informed by a regular trail user halfway up the path about a gathering on the summit featuring a live DJ, electronic equipment, a generator, and a mixing table.

Upon reaching the summit, he observed DJ equipment packed in bags and scattered empty 750ml bottles, alongside a youth lying in a fetal position, seemingly suffering from dehydration, heat stroke, and likely intoxication with closed eyes.

Paramedics from the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS, accompanied by volunteer rescuers and Table Mountain National Park Rangers, promptly ascended the trail to attend to the patient.

Once the teenager regained consciousness and could stand, he was securely harnessed and assisted down the trail without sustaining any injuries.

Nel expresses dismay over the occurrence, particularly in light of the heatwave, and underscores the blatant disregard for both the environment and fellow mountain enthusiasts.

"This was definitely something we haven't witnessed before."

David Nel, Spokesperson – Wilderness Search and Rescue

"The part of this that stood out is how absurd the whole incident was."

David Nel, Spokesperson – Wilderness Search and Rescue

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