Mountain rescue operations save fourteen tourist lives

Posted by Tsoku Maela on 5 January 2023

Operations by Wilderness Search And Rescue saved the lives of fourteen tourists from mountains in the Western Cape.

At least twelve rescue operations were mobilised by Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) teams in several parts of the Western Cape between 31 December and 2 January.

Of the twelve incidents, at least nine rescue operations involved tourists. A total of fourteen tourists, local and international, were assisted by WSAR over the New Year’s weekend.

‘The Western Cape is internationally famous for its outdoor wonders and is loved by both locals and visitors – from the rest of South Africa, Africa and the world,’ said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.

‘This past weekend has been peak season. We are mindful that many visitors will not know our mountains, gorges and valleys as well as locals. So it’s a great honour for WSAR, all our members and our vital partners, to serve our valued guests, together,’ Nel said.

One of the rescued was twin parties of Australian and Norwegian tourists in the mountains above the Atlantic Seaboard. According to WSAR an Australian hiker said to be in his 50s, fell while hiking up Blinkwater Ravine above Camps Bay on Wednesday morning. He slipped and fell while attempting to ascend a steep section of the trail, injuring his ankle. A call for assistance was made after he was unable to hike any further. WSAR teams were immediately activated and were quickly transported to the top of the mountain with the assistance of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

‘Traditionally we see higher temperatures in January, February and March and we appeal to all wilderness enthusiasts to plan appropriately, avoid hiking in the hottest hours of the day, carry more water than normal and save our emergency contact number 021 937 0300 to their phones,’ said Nel.

Pictures: Rob Burger and Nicholas Le Maitre

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