A 22-year-old Chinese tourist was safely rescued from Table Mountain on Saturday night after becoming stranded near the Fountain Ledge scramble section of India Venster while celebrating her birthday.
According to Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), the hiker was caught out by the earlier winter sunset and found herself unable to continue safely in the dark.
She contacted rescuers for assistance, but with only 5% cellphone battery remaining, she was unable to share her exact GPS location.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel said rescuers used the information provided by the tourist to identify a likely search area before immediately mobilising teams.
Rescuers, medics and technical equipment were rapidly transported towards the summit by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, whose staff extended operations after hours to assist with the rescue effort.
While ascending in the cable car, rescuers paused briefly and called out into the darkness below. The stranded hiker responded, allowing teams to pinpoint her location.
A small rescue team then made its way down from the upper cable station and reached the tourist shortly afterwards. Although cold, she was unharmed and was provided with a warm jacket and head torch before being guided safely back to the upper station.
According to Nel, the rescue operation concluded safely at 9:47 pm.
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