For Immediate Release: 03 July 2023
Contact: Louis Stanford
Organisation: South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA)
Mobile: +27 79 1439009
Email: louis.stanford@gmail.com
Website: www.sahpa.co.za/press-releases
Tandem Paragliding Accident in Sea Point on 03 July 2023
A 58-year old Irish tandem paragliding passenger died on Monday afternoon (3rd July 2023) on the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town. It is believed that two tandem pilots had a mid-air collision, causing one pilot to deploy his reserve and land in the breaking waves with his passenger. Several pilots also assisted with the rescue and were treated for injuries afterwards.
The rescue was co-ordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC), with the rescue effort being conducted by the NSRI.
SAHPA is gathering evidence and witness reports and has handed the matter to the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) for further investigation.
Louis Stanford, spokesperson for SAHPA, said that “Paragliding is simultaneously a challenging and rewarding sport, however it does have inherent risks. The sport is well-regulated and safety is always a primary consideration. As this matter has been referred for further investigation, we cannot speculate on this accident.”
He added “We are grateful to the fellow pilots and members of the public who raced to help the pilot and his passenger and the NSRI for completing the rescue in challenging conditions. We also express our sorrow and condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.”
He also appealed to any witnesses to contact the SAHPA office.
END
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- https://www.nsri.org.za/2023/07/paragliding-accident-in-sea-point/