Harrowing ordeal for lost hikers

A MASSIVE overnight search for two missing hikers at Umtamvuna Nature Reserve ended happily when they were found in the early hours of Monday this week.

Bettina Erstsland, from Germany and Corne le Roux who lives in Port Edward entered the reserve which is about eight kilometres from the town at about 12.30pm last Sunday. According to Corne’s parents Loutjie and Rene le Roux, also of Port Edward, there were three trails and the couple decided to take the five kilometre one as Corne was wearing flip flops.

“‘They locked their vehicle and unknowingly left their cellphones in the bakkie. They did not see any guides or staff members around and started their hike. They passed two hikers who were returning from their walk,” said Loutjie.

He said as the pair began their descent they soon realised how slippery the terrain was after the recent rainfall.

“Corne removed his flip flops and continued barefoot. After walking for about three hours they reached the Umtamvuna River and they had to hang on to the branches as the trail was in a very poor state. Bettina slipped and hurt her ankle and by this time the sun was starting to set. They made the lifesaving decision to stay and wait for rescuers to find them. Luck was on their side as Corne had a lighter in his pocket and they were able to make a fire to keep warm as the temperature had plummeted by this time.”

The Le Rouxs received a phone call from the police shortly after 9pm informing them that their son’s vehicle had been found in the reserve’s parking area. Together with their daughter Chenique Slier they rushed to the scene where they were met by a huge police contingent from the local station as well as from the dog unit.

“We just kept praying it would not rain,” said Loutjie.

Huddled together Corne and Bettina were overwhelmed with relief when they heard a dog barking and saw flashing lights.

Corne removed his T-shirt and wrapped it around Bettina’s ankle to ease her pain as they made their way back aided by their rescuers.

According to an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesman, staff at the reserve raised the alarm at around 4.30pm when they noticed the untended car. The couple had not filled in the register, the Ezemvelo spokesman said.

Ezemvelo officials and the police Search and Rescue Unit mounted a massive manhunt. The couple was eventually found at about midnight.

Apart from Bettina’s injured leg, they were unharmed

Although the long, anxious wait for the missing couple to be found had been traumatic, Loutjie and Rene both said the police and Ezemvelo searchers had been wonderful.

“We often moan about the police but it is at times like this that we really appreciate them. We can’t praise their professionalism enough. The rescue dogs and their handlers were amazing, too,” said Loutjie.

“After our son’s experience we would like to tell inexperienced hikers to take precautions before embarking on the trail – be prepared for the unexpected and always carry your cellphone with you,” he added.