• WSAR team in late-night call-out
• Tourists saved from cold night on Table Mountain
• Foreign visitors ushered down to safety
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
At Wilderness Search And Rescue, we are proud to support tourism in the Western Cape and assist visitors enjoying the region’s natural beauty. Sometimes this means guiding hikers safely down the mountain after a long day, helping them stay warm and comfortable along the way, and commiserating when our beautiful Table Mountain’s moods catch them by surprise.
Late on Tuesday night, rescue teams, including SANParks - Table Mountain National Park rangers, were dispatched to the upper cable station on Table Mountain to assist two visiting hikers: a 34-year-old from Britain and a 29-year-old from America, who had walked across from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Strong winds had interrupted the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway service, and the hikers missed the last cable car.
While teams were en route up Platteklip Gorge, two Turkish hikers, aged 27 and 29, who had crossed the mountain from Kasteelspoort above Camps Bay, joined the others in the shelter.
All four hikers were located safe and sound, albeit a little chilly, and were provided with warm jackets and torches.
They were carefully guided down the ever-popular Platteklip Gorge trail.
Rescuers and visitors alike were treated to a gorgeous evening on the mountain, with clear skies and beautiful views adding a memorable backdrop to the safe rescue.
The incident concluded shortly after midnight, with all hikers and rescuers safely off the mountain at 00h15 on Wednesday morning.
For anyone planning a late-afternoon adventure on Table Mountain, a few precautionary tips can make all the difference:
• Start earlier
• Check the weather forecasts
• Pack an extra warm layer
• Confirm cable car operations
A big thank you, once again, to all the teams who responded. Your hard work and professionalism make a challenging night look effortless.
• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
Photos by James Dijzel and Leigh de Necker