2 March 2015, Cape Town
On behalf of the TIntswalo Lodges Group
With very heavy hearts it saddens the entire Tintswalo family to confirm the mountain fire that took hold of our beloved Cape Town property, Tintswalo Atlantic, in the early hours of the morning. Currently the fire is still blazing and the fire department is on site. We are devastated that this flourishing Cape Town location, one that holds a very special place with us and with people across the world, is under duress.
First and foremost, we are most thankful that no one was injured and our staff handled the situation professionally and without panic.
At approximately 01:15 am last night, 2 March 2015, flames were visible to the security team at Tintswalo Atlantic and we began our emergency fire procedures, that included turning on our sprinklers, preparing hoses, fire equipment and notifying the fire department, to be ready as the flames descended closer to the seafront buildings.
Ryno du Rand, General Manager of Tintswalo Atlantic was called onsite immediately. With the team, including Assistant Manager Tania Batista Hofer, a unified decision was made to evacuate all guests, as our brave staff stayed on site for as long as possible.
Local guests went home and others were brought to Cape Town properties nearby. We continue to thank everyone for coming to the aid of the lodge and our guests, in a truly Capetonian spirit of community.
The utmost priority was the safety of our dedicated staff and therefore Tintswalo lodges Group made the decision to evacuate all staff, shortly after the guests.
We would also like to thank the National Sea Rescue Institute for their assistance and back up in the water, incase our staff were not able to leave the property by land.
Upon arrival the fire department, in the early hours of the morning, firefighters informed Tintswalo Management that they could not get to the property as it was too dangerous and the flames too big.
CEO of Tintswalo Property Group, Warwick Goosen is currently on his way to Cape Town to debrief with the Tintswalo Atlantic team and local authorities, where they will asses how to move forward after this calamitous event. As the property is still engulfed in flames, smoke and ash, the team will not yet be able to visit the lodge and the full extent of damage has not yet been determined.
A second press release with updates will follow once the team is fully aware of the severity of the damages.
“The Tintswalo team, reservations and management are doing everything possible to ensure all future guests are accommodated moving forward with bookings. We are currently focusing on our guests for the next 2 weeks and will redirect Tintswalo Atlantic guests to local properties as everyone continues to work together in support of Tintswalo Atlantic,” says Managing Director Michelle du Plessis.
She continues by thanking all involved, “Our Cape Town family, staff, previous guests, our social media community, the local hospitality community and international travel community have given their utmost condolences. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in this time of need and thank everyone for their kind thoughts and words.”
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