Easter weekend rescues: Unprepared hikers lead to four emergency operations
Four hiking mishaps, three after dark, all safely resolved as rescue teams respond across Cape trails over Easter weekend.
Image: WSAR/ Facebook
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were called into action four times over the Easter weekend, including three after-dark operations, as a series of hiking mishaps unfolded across the Peninsula and Jonkershoek trails.
From hikers stranded without torches to others losing their way in steep terrain or relying on incorrect navigation, all four incidents required coordinated rescue efforts involving multiple agencies. All hikers were safely brought to safety.
“These incidents are a strong reminder: to plan ahead, stay prepared, and always call the correct emergency number, 021 937 0300, as soon as you need help,” WSAR said.
The incidents began on Thursday afternoon at Cape Point, where a 63-year-old woman was injured after tripping on a trail during a group hike. Rescue teams, supported by the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS and Air Mercy Service helicopter, airlifted her to a nearby landing zone before she was transported to hospital for further treatment. The operation concluded at 1.51pm.
On Friday evening, a group of four young hikers became stranded while descending the Pieke Trail in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch. After missing an exit point, they continued into a ravine and reached terrain where they could neither proceed nor turn back. Without torches or warm clothing and stranded after dark, they called for help. Rescue teams, assisted by CapeNature rangers, used rope systems to haul the group to safety before guiding them down. The operation concluded at 12.38am on Saturday.
While that operation was underway, a second call came in from Table Mountain above Camps Bay, where a 32-year-old hiker became stranded after following directions from a hiking application instead of trail signage. The route led him off the intended path into steep terrain below Blinkwater Needle in Blind Gully. Rescue teams, working with SANParks rangers and the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS drone unit, located the hiker and used rope systems to extract him. He was found exhausted and suffering the effects of dehydration. Team members provided water and electrolytes before guiding him safely down the mountain. The rescue concluded at 2.39am.
On Saturday afternoon, a 31-year-old visitor from the United Kingdom became lost near the top of Table Mountain after thick mist caused him to lose his bearings while attempting to descend via India Venster. The hiker initially attempted to call the UK emergency number, 999, before obtaining the correct local number. While rescue teams were mobilising, two passing hikers assisted him towards the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Upper Cable Station, where teams met the group and escorted him safely down via cable car. The operation concluded at 8.15pm.
“For helping save these lives, our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers and partner agencies,” WSAR said.
WSAR urged hikers to carry essential equipment, including torches, water and warm clothing, and to ensure they have the correct emergency contact details before heading out.