• Rapid multi-agency response across two mountain regions
• Injured hiker carried down Platteklip Gorge by stretcher team
• Young trail runner rescued after impalement injury in Helderberg Nature Reserve
• Technical rescue teams support SAPS during Table Mountain recovery
Three separate incidents on Table Mountain and in the Helderberg Nature Reserve on Sunday evening highlighted both the risks associated with outdoor activities, and the remarkable depth of skill, coordination and capacity within the Wilderness Search And Rescue’s rescue network.
While multiple incidents unfolded simultaneously across the region, teams of rescuers, medics, rangers and reserve personel worked together seamlessly to ensure that every call for assistance received an urgent and professional response.
Incident 1:
The first callout was received shortly before 16h30 after a 36-year-old hiker injured her ankle while descending Platteklip Gorge. The hiker reportedly jumped down a large rock step approximately one-third of the way down the trail, landing awkwardly and sustaining an ankle injury.
Unable to continue, friends of the injured hiker immediately called the emergency number - 021 937 0300.
Rescuers, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics, SANParks Honorary Rangers and SANParks - Table Mountain National Park rangers were ferried to the top station by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, before hiking down to the patient’s location. After being assessed and treated on scene, the patient was carefully assisted into a rescue stretcher and carried down the mountain by a large team of rescuers.
She was transported to hospital for further treatment, and the incident concluded at 22h40.
Incident 2:
While teams were deploying to Table Mountain, a second request for assistance was received from the Helderberg Nature Reserve, where a 22-year-old trail runner had slipped while descending from West Peak, impaling his leg on an exposed metal spike.
Reserve staff responded swiftly, reaching the injured runner and safely transporting him down to the care of medics waiting at the base of the trail.
The incident concluded at 18h23.
Incident 3:
As additional rescuers were being mobilised to assist in Platteklip Gorge, passengers aboard the cable car reported witnessing a hiker fall from a rock face on Table Mountain.
Nearby rescue teams, including a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, were immediately diverted to the scene, while additional rescuers were called in to assist. Sadly, despite the rapid response, the hiker was found deceased.
Rescuers carefully packaged the deceased into a stretcher before carrying the remains to a point below the cable car. From there, technical teams aboard the cable car were able to safely raise the stretcher from the mountain and transport the deceased to the lower cable station, where the body was handed over to SAPS officials on scene.
The incident was concluded at 21h50.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time, and wish both injured patients a speedy recovery following their ordeals.
Our sincere thanks go to all rescuers, rangers, reserve personnel, SAPS, EMS and the staff of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for their support, professionalism and teamwork throughout a challenging evening of operations.
• Delta Search & Rescue
• HAMNET
• High Angle Rescue & Access
• K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa
• Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue
• Off-Road Rescue Unit - ORRU
• SARZA - Western Cape
• The Hikers Network
• Trail SAR
These incidents highlight the ongoing commitment of our volunteer teams and partner agencies who continue to respond whenever assistance is needed in the mountains and wilderness areas of the Western Cape.
Wherever your journey takes you, remember “Safe My Mate.”
• 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 Hugo Vaughan, Chris Jacobs and David Nel