Rescue Teams Put Out All the Stops to Assist Stranded and Injured Hikers

Photo Credit: Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape

A dedicated blend of professionals and volunteers demonstrated commitment and heroism when they responded to three separate emergency incidents in challenging winter conditions this past Sunday, ensuring the safe return of all stranded hikers.

Cape Town, South Africa (03 June 2025) – Western Cape rescue professionals and dedicated volunteers from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) had their hands full this past Sunday after responding to three separate incidents involving hikers in danger in harsh winter conditions.

Fallen hiker flown from Devil’s Peak

The first call for help came from Devil’s Peak, where a 53-year-old hiker suffered a 12-meter fall while attempting to navigate an overgrown section of the 580m Traverse. She had been hiking with her family from the Saddle to Oppelskop when she slipped from the narrow trail.

Small teams on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter, including paramedics and rescue climbers, were flown to the scene and hoisted down to a point close to the hiker.

Using ropes, rescuers secured both themselves and the patient on the steep mountainside. After careful assessment and treatment by paramedics, she was airlifted to a nearby landing zone and then transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Stranded hikers guided from Table Mountain

A short while later, WSAR teams responded to two more incidents, one involving stranded hikers on Table Mountain. A group of four, aged 18 to 23, found themselves in trouble after attempting to follow a popular online trail up Skeleton Gorge and across Table Mountain to the Upper Cable Station.

After struggling with intermittent mobile phone signal, they were significantly delayed while trying to follow directions. Realising they wouldn’t make the last cable car, they called for help.

Rescuers quickly drove up the back of Table Mountain, located the hikers at Maclear’s Beacon, and provided them with essential supplies like torches, warm clothing, snacks, and water. Once refuelled and warmed up, the group was guided back to the dams and driven safely down the mountain.

Exhausted hiker assisted down mountain trail

The third rescue mission came after a group of hikers reported that a 66-year-old member of their party was exhausted and struggling to continue down from the Arangieskop Hut.

Worried that her condition may deteriorate, the group called WSAR and rescuers were placed on standby while an EMS medic made his way up to meet the party. The group were given torches and slowly assisted down the rest of the trail.

The incident was concluded when everyone was safely off the mountain, bringing a heroic close to a very busy Sunday night.

WSAR spokesperson, David Nel, reminded all outdoor enthusiasts that the season was changing and asked that they remember their torches and plan their activities accordingly.

“Keep in mind that the days are shorter, so plan your outdoor activities for earlier in the day. Be mindful that the trails are wet and will be slippery in places.”

“We thank our teams for their continued dedication and wish our patient a speedy recovery”, said Nel.