A 20-year-old hiker is safely home after a complex 14-hour overnight rescue operation on Table Mountain that began late on Sunday afternoon and concluded just after Monday morning at 07h00.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) says the hiker became disoriented while exploring the mountain high above Newlands, and after losing the trail, he found himself stranded on a cliff, unable to safely move either forwards or back.
With his cellphone battery about to die, he quickly decided to call for help before nightfall.
Rescue 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, which assisted in locating the hiker and helping guide rescuers safely towards him.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel says 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.”
Nel says 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 uninjured hiker.
Rescuers then carefully secured him into the rope system before raising him back up the cliff to the waiting rescue team.
“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.”
Nel has again reminded hikers 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.
He also encouraged everyone to save the WSAR number, 021 937 0300, and call for help as early as possible in an emergency.
