20-year-old hiker rescued from Table Mountain cliff after dramatic 14-hour overnight operation

A 20-year-old hiker is safely home after becoming stranded on a steep cliff on Table Mountain in a dramatic 14-hour overnight rescue operation.

The lone hiker was exploring high above Newlands late on Sunday afternoon when he became disorientated and lost the trail.

He eventually found himself trapped on a steep cliff, unable to move safely in either direction.

With darkness closing in and his cellphone battery running low, the hiker realised he was in serious trouble and made the crucial decision to call for help.

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) said that decision may have made all the difference.

“Recognising when to call for help can make all the difference,” the organisation said.

Lost, stranded and running out of battery

WSAR teams immediately launched a technically demanding rescue, with specialist rope rescue personnel deployed from the upper station of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

The rescue unfolded in steep and exposed terrain as rescuers worked through the night to reach the stranded hiker.

The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit played a crucial role, using an aerial view to locate the hiker and help guide rescuers towards his position.

But the drone did more than simply locate him.

It was also used to communicate directly with the frightened hiker while rescuers made their way towards the top of the cliff.

After spending hours alone on the mountain in darkness, the unexpected voice coming from above left him wondering whether he was imagining things.

“After being alone on the mountain in the darkness, hearing a voice coming from a drone was a somewhat surreal experience,” WSAR said.

The hiker later told rescuers that he briefly wondered if he was hallucinating.

Fortunately, the voice was real, and it was telling him that help was coming.

Rescuers abseil almost 200 metres

Once the rescue team reached the top of the cliff, a small technical rescue team established a rope system.

They then abseiled almost 200 metres down the sheer cliff face to reach the stranded hiker.

Thankfully, the 20-year-old had not been injured.

After assessing him, rescuers carefully secured the hiker into the rope system before beginning the painstaking operation to raise him back up the cliff.

After hours exposed on the mountainside, he was finally brought to safety.

He was given food and water before being escorted to a waiting vehicle and driven down the mountain.

First cable car home after marathon rescue

The ordeal was not over for the rescuers.

Once the hiker was safely out, all team members had to make their way back to the top of the cliff before dismantling and packing away the technical rescue equipment.

They eventually returned to the upper cable station and caught the first cable car down.

The operation was finally concluded shortly after 7am on Monday morning, with all rescue personnel safely off the mountain.

WSAR thanked the teams involved in the rescue. “Every person played an important role in bringing this rescue to a safe conclusion.” 

The organisation said the incident was also a stark reminder that even experienced and prepared hikers can find themselves in serious trouble.

“Anyone can find themselves in difficulty in the mountains, regardless of their experience or preparation,” WSAR said.

Hikers are urged to research their routes beforehand, carry enough water, ensure their phones are fully charged and tell someone they trust where they are going.

IOL