• Two separate technical call-outs on Table Mountain
• “Cold, wet and unforgiving conditions…” says WSAR
• Stranded climbers lowered to safety from Postern Buttress
• Rescuers climb to stuck hiker above the Contour Path
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams carried out two separate technical rescues on Table Mountain on Monday evening, navigating extreme conditions to bring three stranded mountain users down safely.
“The mountain was cold, wet and unforgiving on Monday night, with visibility at times so poor that rescuers could barely make out the trail in front of them,” said David Nel, Wilderness Search and Rescue spokesperson.
“Working safely in those conditions takes more than training alone, it demands exceptional judgement, technical ability and the kind of calm competence that only comes with experience.
“Monday night showed just how much of that experience and composure our teams carry into the mountains.”
Incident 1:
The first incident unfolded high above Camps Bay, where two rock climbers became stranded on Postern Buttress after deteriorating weather forced them to retreat from the route Champs Élysées, only for their rope to become stuck while abseiling.
Although the pair were well prepared for their climb, they were unable to continue safely once their rope became jammed. Recognising that they needed assistance, they did the right thing and called the emergency number, 021 937 0300, allowing rescue teams to respond before the situation deteriorated further.
Technical rescue teams, including Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS medics, were immediately deployed to the area and driven up the mountain from Constantia Nek. On arrival, rescuers were faced with wet, windy conditions and extremely poor visibility as they worked to identify the safest point from which to lower a rescuer to the stranded pair.
Conditions were so bad, that a guide line was used in places to ensure that safety of the rescuers while moving to the top of the cliff.
Once the best position had been established, a technical rescuer was lowered down to the climbers.
“The scale of the rescue was reflected in the size of the cliff itself,” Nel said.
“Rising approximately 180 metres above the ground, the face of Postern Buttress required rescuers to deploy twin 200 metre ropes to reach the stranded climbers, and lower them safely to the ground.
"In total, more than 700 metres of rope were deployed during the operation, underscoring both the height of the cliff and the technical complexity of the rescue in darkness, wind and rain."
The pair, together with the rescuer, were then lowered the rest of the way to the ground, where they were received by a small support team below.
From there, the patients were guided back the Kasteelspoort trail to rejoin the rest of the rescue party before everyone was transported safely down the mountain to Constantia Nek.
The incident was concluded at 22:20.
Incident 2:
While teams were still busy on Postern Buttress, a second callout was received after staff from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway reported hearing cries for help from the vicinity of Tafelberg Road. While SANParks - Table Mountain National Park rangers were investigating, a trail runner reported having encountered a stranded hiker on a cliff above the Contour Path. It is understood the hiker had left the path in search of water before becoming stranded on steep terrain.
Additional technical teams were immediately deployed to the second scene. Rescuers moved quickly up to the hiker, secured him in a harness and helmet and safely lowered him down to the Contour Path.
The incident was concluded with both the patient and rescue teams safely off the mountain by 21:00.
“Rescues like these are successful because of experience, trust and an extraordinary willingness to keep going when the mountain is at its most hostile,” Nel said.
“Every rescuer, ranger and support team member brought something important to the operation, and together they turned two very difficult situations into safe outcomes.
"We are incredibly thankful to every person who gave their time, expertise and energy to help bring three people safely off the mountain on a cold, wet and difficult night."
• 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 Adam Griffin, Andrew Lewis, Axel Erwast and Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue
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