Mountain
Photo by Wendelin Jacober via Pexels

Several hikers have been caught up on a mountain after dark since it has started getting darker earlier; this is how to avoid being caught in the cold as night sets in.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (16 May 2024) – With winter around the corner, the sun is setting much sooner and a few hikers have found themselves up local mountains, unprepared for the sudden darkness and cold. The Wilderness Search and Rescue team has issued a statement, urging hikers to be cautious.

It feels like just the other day, the team were issuing heatwave warnings to hikers and now that winter is on the way, it’s the opposite.

Just this past weekend, the dedicated team responded to Theressa Avenue above Camps Bay on Sunday night, after a visiting group of hikers from Pretoria called for help.

WSAR reported that the group, aged between 41 and 57, had caught the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway cable car to the top of Table Mountain earlier in the day and intended to hike down the mountain. A passing hiker had provided vague advice, which led them across the mountain towards Camps Bay. As the sun started setting, they realised help was needed and thankfully had the emergency number (021 937 0300).

WSAR volunteers found them and provided warm clothing, food and water, and head torches to get back down safely. One of the hikers was exhausted and the volunteers took turns carrying her down the mountain. By 22h40, everyone was back safely.

It is incidents like this that showcase how essential the work being done by WSAR is.

“Our rescue teams responded to a similar call in Skeleton Gorge on Saturday evening after two visiting Russian hikers were left stranded after dark.

“Rescuers drove up the back table from Constantia Neck and hiked down to locate the two ladies. They were guided back up the trail to the vehicles and driven down to Constantia Neck.

“We urge all outdoor enthusiasts take note of the earlier winter sunset times and plan accordingly.

“Remember to pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing.

“Most importantly, don’t wait please Call Us Sooner – 021 937 0300,” said Nel.

Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations that partner in search and rescue.

Did you know: There is no charge for rescue services in South Africa. So if you find yourself in danger, you won’t be charged to be rescued. You just have to call 021 937 0300 (save that number to your phone), and help will be sent. The number will take you directly to the Metro Control Centre, which will then coordinate a rescue or assistance depending on what is needed.

If you would like to support the vital work they do, you can help contribute towards life-saving equipment via BackaBuddy here. or find out more via the website here.


Sources: WSAR
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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