Hikers rescued from Fish River Canyon

A rescue operation for stranded hikers in the Fish River Canyon made progress on Monday. Sources close to the operation told Network Media Hub (NMH) that 60 of the 96 affected hikers had already been brought to safety by helicopter. Around 36 people were still believed to be inside the canyon at the time. Official confirmation of the figure by the police was still pending by late afternoon.

According to //Kharas regional police commander Marius Katamila, nine hiking groups with a total of 96 people were affected, including schoolchildren. Police had dispatched a helicopter from Windhoek, as well as support teams, reserve forces and fuel to Hobas and Ai-Ais. Katamila again warned the public against flying drones, saying they could endanger the helicopter operation.

The dangerous situation was caused by heavy rainfall, rising water levels in the canyon and water releases from the Naute Dam. The Neckartal Dam was also overflowing. The water flows into the Fish River and further through the canyon towards Ai-Ais. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) had already closed the Fish River Canyon Hike with immediate effect on Sunday. The trail remains closed until further notice.