39 people rescued from Table Mountain since January and 158 dead in four decades on WCape mountains

Cape Town - A total of 158 people have died in accidents on Table Mountain and other Western Cape peaks over the past four decades, while in the past two years alone, 233 people have had to be rescued off the flat-topped 1068-metre high Cape Town landmark.

This is according to the SA Mountain Accidents (SAMA) database and the Western Cape government’s emergency medical service (EMS).

EMS provided a table/graph to better understand mountain rescues and deaths in the province.

The family of Stephan Naude, who disappeared five months ago while hiking a trail on the slopes of Stellenbosch Mountain, still hope to find him.

Naude’s family have offered a R50 000 reward for information, but have had no fresh leads.

Johann Marais of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) said they had carried out various searches for Naude, but had no success.

“We continued to search for five days and even after he went missing for three to four weeks we searched when new information came available, but to no avail,” he said.

Captain FC Van Wyk of the SA Police Service said Naude’s case was still under investigation.

Naude’s mother, Hannelie Naude, said they were hoping for an answer – whether it was good or bad – to finally have their son back.

“We had people with private drones and we had the R50 000 reward and there has been no positive information, but we are hopeful for answers even if he is no longer alive.”

Mountain rescue experts said hikers should ensure they had enough water and were aware of the route they had planned. They should also carry protective gear, as well as have navigational tools and wear strong footwear.

Principal EMS communications officer Deanna February said they had been called out to 39 rescues on Table Mountain between January and March 23 this year.

“Western Cape Government Health’s EMS Rescue team responded to 1 656 rescue incidents in total from January 1 to March 23. Of those, 39 incidents took place on Table Mountain.

“During 2021, the Rescue team responded to 6 692 rescue incidents, and 114 of the incidents were Table Mountain rescues. In comparison to 2020 (80 Table Mountain rescues), there were 34 more Table Mountain rescue incidents during 2021.

According to the SAMA database, 158 people died on Western Cape mountains between 1980 and 2022, and 594 were injured. These include Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Cape Peninsula mountains, Groot Drakenstein, Du Toitskloof Mountains, Hex River Mountains, Groot Winterhoek Mountains, Riviersonderend Mountains, Langeberg, Cederberg and others.

In January, the latest fatal incident, an inquest docket was opened with police after the body of a 53-year-old male hiker was found on Table Mountain.

SANParks spokesperson Laura Mukwevho said communication was important when on a mountain.

“Tell someone reliable where you are going. Tell them which route you are using and what time to expect you back. If you are en route and think you will be a bit late, call that person and give them the new time you will be back. They must know who to call and where to go look for you if you are not back in time. Leave valuables at home.

“Have a map of the area with you and leave a copy of the same map with your contact person. Know your access and exit routes. You should always know the quickest way to safety. And your contact person should know which routes you will use if you are in trouble. Have a plan and stick to the plan,” she said.

Anwaaz Bent, a former member of Wilderness Search and Rescue and president of The Hikers Network, with 37 years mountain experience, said people often go off route and become lost, or fall ill.

“Hike with people who are experienced, travel in groups and have enough water, because hydration is a huge problem, and you will need warm clothing even in summer or winter, '' he said.

“[I remember] a rescue a few years ago, of a boy in Glencairn. He didn’t have taxi fare, decided to use the mountain as a short cut to get to Ocean View, and he was alone and he got lost and fell into a quarry and died. I will never forget that while working as an incident manager for WSAR.

“Table Mountain has been busy throughout the year and during peak time, people when they get off track, they get lost or they suffer a heart attack or illness.

“Table Mountain is a large area to Cape Point and has many open accesses. Preparation is important. Drop a pin location.”

Weekend Argus