CapeNature aids in dramatic rescue of UK tourist

First impressions matter, especially for travellers. They often imagine sunlit trails, postcard views and stories to take home, not the moment when a holiday trip turns into something far more serious.

But when plans unravel, it’s often locals on the ground who make the difference. For one London tourist at Robberg Nature Reserve, that difference came in the form of CapeNature rangers who stepped in when it mattered most.

Rosalind Innes had been looking forward to hiking Robberg as part of her South African travels. But while navigating a narrow, rocky section near the Point of Robberg, she slipped and broke her ankle, leaving her stranded in a secluded area, with weather conditions deteriorating.

In pain and unable to walk without assistance, the situation quickly escalated for Innes and her husband. However, help arrived in the form of CapeNature EPWP general worker Vuyani Charlie, who was carrying out trail maintenance nearby. 

Alerted by Innes’ husband, Charlie immediately grasped the seriousness of the incident. He climbed to higher ground to find cellphone reception and contacted the field rangers on duty.

Field rangers Charles Minnaar and Petrus Lamini were working on the island section of Robberg at the time and were able to make their way to the Point to assist with the injured hiker.

Once on scene, the three men worked to navigate the slippery rocks, supporting Innes’ injured leg in a gruelling four-hour rescue.

The team eventually guided Innes to safety, where she was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

“I truly do not know what I would have done without them,” Innes said afterwards. “I owe them my life, particularly Vuyani Charlie. They kept me calm and safe, and supported me both physically and mentally through a horrendous ordeal.”

CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo praised the rangers’ response, describing them as far more than custodians of protected areas. “Our field rangers are often the first responders when things go wrong,” he said. “Their rapid assessment, coordinated response and sustained effort over several hours ensured the safe evacuation of a stranded hiker under extremely challenging conditions.” 

For Innes, the experience will remain a defining memory of her South African holiday - not for the accident itself, but for the professionalism and kindness shown by strangers who stepped in when she needed them most.