After two hikers could not get down Platteklip Gorge, they spent the night up on the mountain with rescuers keeping a close eye on them. The next day, a big rescue effort unfolded, largely helped by students who stepped up to make it happen!
Table Mountain, South Africa (29 February 2024) — The Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) had a busy time earlier this week after two hikers found themselves unable to finish their Platteklip Gorge hike.
The pair called for help after 8 pm on Sunday evening; a WSAR team of 6 people headed up the mountain ready to get the injured hiker—a 53-year-old visitor from KwaZulu-Natal— back down to safety. However, with a persistent injury and vicious South-Easterly winds roaring, the team ended up not carrying the hiker down; opting instead to spend the evening with her and her nephew.
The following day after a long evening, a team of over 20 rescuers got to work in completing the rescue. They began the descent down Platteklip Gorge and, by the afternoon, reported good progress. But when it came to the final push, extra help came just in time.
Students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) stepped up to help the rescue along by carrying the nephew of the injured hiker, who was also in need of a little help from the friends he didn’t know he had. Despite having made good headway for almost 8 hours, he eventually could not continue and needed a rescue stretcher.
Largely thanks to the WSAR team, the injured aunt made it to the base ground safe and sound. And thanks to the Cape Peninsula University students, her nephew did, too!
Others who played an important role include the EMS medics, SANParks Table Mountain National Park and Law Enforcement officers!
Sources: Wilderness Search and Rescue
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