• Fourteen-hour epic rescue - stranded hiker above Newlands
• Drone locates him, sends reassuring messages
• Multi-disciplinary team drop 100s of metres to rescue site
A 20-year-old hiker is safely home after a complex 14-hour overnight rescue operation on Table Mountain, reminding outdoor enthusiasts that recognising when to call for help can make all the difference.
Late on Sunday afternoon, the lone hiker became disorientated while exploring high above Newlands. After losing the trail, he found himself stranded on a steep cliff, unable to safely move either forwards or back. Realising the seriousness of his situation, and with just limited battery remaining, he made the decision to call for help before darkness closed in.
That decision set in motion an incredibly demanding technically rescue operations.
Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) teams responded immediately, deploying specialist rope rescue personnel from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway's upper station. Working through the night in steep and exposed terrain, the teams were supported by the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit, whose aerial view was invaluable in locating the hiker and helping guide rescuers safely towards him.
The drone also provided some much-needed reassurance. While the rescue teams were making their way towards the top of the cliff, it was used to communicate directly with the hiker, letting him know that help was on its way. After being alone on the mountain in the darkness, hearing a voice coming from a drone was a somewhat surreal experience, and he later said he briefly wondered if he was hallucinating. Fortunately, the voice was very real, and it was telling him that the rescue team was on its way.
Once the team reached the top of the cliff, a small technical rescue team established a rope system before abseiling nearly 200 metres down the cliff to reach the hiker.
Fortunately, he was uninjured.
After assessing his condition, rescuers carefully secured him into the rope system before raising him back up the cliff to the waiting rescue team.
Following hours exposed on the mountainside, he was given food and water before being escorted safely back to a waiting vehicle. From there, he was driven down the mountain to safety.
Once all team members had ascended back to the top, rescuers dismantled and packed away their technical rescue systems before returning to the upper cable station, where they caught the first cable car down.
The incident was concluded shortly after 07h00 on Monday morning, with all team members safely off the mountain.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave their time, expertise and commitment throughout this challenging overnight operation. From the teams at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, SANParks - Table Mountain National Park, Western Cape Government
Health and Wellness EMS and the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit, to our dedicated volunteers from Delta Search & Rescue, Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue, SARZA - Western Cape and Trail Search and Rescue, every person played an important role in bringing this rescue to a safe conclusion.
This rescue serves as a timely reminder that anyone can find themselves in difficulty in the mountains, regardless of their experience or preparation. We encourage everyone planning a hike to research their route, carry sufficient water, ensure their cell phone is fully charged, share their plans with someone they trust, and be prepared to turn back if conditions or the terrain become more challenging than expected. If you become lost, injured or unable to continue safely, remain where you are and call Wilderness Search And Rescue on 021 937 0300 as early as possible. Calling for help before your situation deteriorates gives rescuers the best opportunity to assist you safely.
Because keeping yourself, and others, safe starts with making good decisions, knowing when to stop, and calling for help when you need it.
• 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 Chris Jacobs, Ethan Cox, Anthony Hall and Fabian Higgins
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