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Table Mountain rescuers handle 7 emergencies in one day

Published

Wilderness Search and Rescue says it had 235 mountain rescue incidents by 25 October, above its 2024 record of 200 at the same point. Volunteers stayed on the mountain overnight after a cliff rescue on Saturday.

The seven emergencies on Saturday matched the highest number of incidents the organisation has handled in a single day. They included a 24-year-old hiker who fell about 4m above Union Ravine. Rescuers raised the hiker about 130m by rope, and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway team helped bring the hiker and rescuers down.

A 56-year-old American visitor collapsed while hiking Platteklip Gorge, and Air Mercy Service sent a rescue helicopter to help a visitor. A 32-year-old Tunisian visitor became lost on an unfamiliar route at nightfall. SANParks Table Mountain National Park rangers also assisted a hiker.

The organisation said it had 39 incidents by the same point in 2000, an increase of more than 500% over 26 years. It said simultaneous emergencies forced teams to make difficult decisions about people and equipment. The organisation warned of growing pressure ahead of the busy summer hiking season.

The organisation said the figures do not necessarily mean hikers are becoming more careless. It said they show rising demands on volunteers, specialist teams and partner agencies.

Key facts

Who
Wilderness Search and Rescue (mountain rescue organisation that responded to the incidents); Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (cableway team that helped bring the injured hiker and rescuers down); SANParks Table Mountain National Park (park rangers who assisted a hiker); Air Mercy Service (rescue helicopter dispatched to assist a visitor)
What
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) responded to seven emergencies on Table Mountain on Saturday, including a cliff rescue that kept volunteers on the mountain overnight. WSAR says 235 mountain rescue incidents had been recorded by October 25 this year, up from 39 in 2000 and above its 2024 record of 200 at the same point.
When
25 October 2026
Where
Table Mountain, Cape Town, Union Ravine
Status
Reported

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