According to Rossouw, getting Van Deventer to help required cutting a path through the thick forest to carry him out. He was then taken to a clinic in Pokola, Congo-Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo), for initial treatment. He was not medevacked to South Africa immediately because his insurance company did not want to send a plane for him. Two days later, he was finally flown out. Although no major organs were injured, Van Deventer suffered a cracked skull and numerous lacerations and contusions. He underwent surgery in South Africa and is now recovering.
Van Deventer's accident is a terrible blow to Congo Safaris, occurring just as the company is overcoming a shaky first season. Van Deventer is the head PH and on-the-ground manager. Rossouw says he will be out of commission for the rest of the season, but partner Gert Saimaan is stepping in to conduct safaris with the help of their second PH, "Danie." Danie was the second PH who assisted with Jim Shockey's hunt, which I reported on only last month. "Of course, Andre will be severely missed," Rossouw says, "but our clients will still get the best hunting........(continued)
