Mossel Bay: 16 July 2012
At approximately 09:50 this morning (16 July 2012) SAWDOS received an SMS for assistance from a concerned mother to the effect that 8 young men (amongst them her son) were trapped on or near a farm called Dassieshoogte in the Eastern Cape. She reported that they were trapped on a farm 2km from the top of the Wapadsberg Pass near the R61. She further indicated that they were in no immediate danger unless they try to drive on a road covered in ice and snow from the house to the main road. The road from the farm to the R61 already claimed one vehicle, stuck alongside this treacherous farm road.
The SAWDOS is familiar with the dangers of snow and icy conditions in the Eastern Cape. SAWDOS advised the mother that both mountain passes in the vicinity was closed to traffic. If the 8 men are in no immediate danger, and have enough food, it would be wise to stay put. They were advised not to try and drive through the ice and snow. There is always the possibility that more of their vehicles might get stuck or skid off the road with dire consequences.
A strategic plan and decision was taken to assist the 8 stranded men. The mother provided the cellphone number of her son. SAWDOS dialed the number to obtain more information to possibly arrange for a rescue mission. No contact could be established with the 8 men. I decided to contact Derick Banks of ER24. I explained the situation to him and he indicated that ER24 will assist in the event that a rescue mission is needed. Derick was most helpful and this information was relayed to the concerned mother. Shortly after 11:10 the SAWDOS received an SMS from the mother that indicated that a neighbouring farmer and the Prov Traffic Services is already assisting the 8 trapped men. The first grader got stuck in the snow but they are awaiting the arrival of a second grader. Cellphone communication with the son was lost but the mother was able to relay certain information to the 8 men before losing signal.
At 11h30 the SAWDOS received the following SMS:
" ##### message has just come in. See below. They are safely off the farm and in physical touch with the world! Thanks again - esp for taking this incident so seriously. I passed all yr messages on to #####, so they knew they were not alone."
* "We are on Wapadsberg pass and everything is good."
Regards
Elated Mother
The 8 men were assisted to the main road (R61) and from there they travelled to Graaff Reinet.
A team effort between private individuals, Provincial Traffic Services, ER24 and the local community made it possible to assist the 8 men. The rescue mission was completed around 11:20 today.
The SAWDOS would like to thank ER24, private individuals, Provincial Traffic Services and all those involved in rescuing the 8 men.
Johan Terblanche
Founder: SA Weather and Disaster Information Service
Mossel Bay
16 July 2012
14h00 SAST
No comments:
Post a Comment