A rescue operation unfolded on Table Mountain when a 40-year-old hiker slipped and injured his leg on the Platteklip Gorge trail. A team of dedicated Wilderness Search And Rescue members endured challenging terrain and demanding conditions to efficiently carry the injured man up the mountain, showcasing their expertise and unwavering commitment.
Cape Town, South Africa (04 December 2024) – In a daring rescue operation, Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) teams swooped into action to save a hiker who had injured themselves on Table Mountain. The 40-year-old hiker slipped and injured their leg while descending the popular Platteklip Gorge trail.
Nearby rescue teams were participating in a technical scenario-based training from Tafelberg Road when the call-out was initiated. The training, aimed at preparing teams for the traditionally busy summer season, was suspended, and all rescuers were immediately dispatched to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Cable Station.
More than thirty rescuers, including City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers, were ferried to the top of Table Mountain in the cable car. Once on top of the mountain, they swiftly made their way across to the top of the Platteklip Gorge and down to the injured hiker, WSAR reports.
Despite facing challenging terrain and limited daylight, the dedicated rescue team worked tirelessly to bring the injured hiker to safety.
He was assessed and treated before being placed into a rescue stretcher and carefully carried back up Table Mountain to the Upper Cable Station.
According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), members quickly and correctly recognised that it would be faster to carry the injured hiker back up the trail and across to the Upper Cable Station.
“Rope hauling systems were used to slowly pull the stretched patient up the steep hiking trail. The patient was taken down the mountain in the cable car and carried to a waiting ambulance, before being driven to hospital.
“A special thank you to our teams of rescuers for their continued commitment to the outdoor communities of the Western Cape,” Nel said.
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WSAR is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations that partner in search and rescue. To contact their emergency number, call 021 937 0300. To support their efforts, visit https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
Sources: Wilderness Search And Rescue
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