WSAR tackles record-breaking seven incidents on Table Mountain

Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) were hard at work this past weekend, responding to seven incidents across Table Mountain in a single day.

According to the Western Cape-based organisation, rescue teams worked throughout Saturday, 24 October 2026, to provide much-needed assistance to hikers in distressing situations.

WSAR TO THE RESCUE

One of the seven incidents involved a 56-year-old American visitor, who collapsed while hiking Platteklip Gorge. A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic was lowered down from a helicopter to assist the visitor, who was subsequently airlifted to safety and taken to a waiting ambulance.

In another incident, WSAR technical teams rescued a 24-year-old male hiker, who was injured after falling four metres while attempting to climb up a break in the cliffs above Union Ravine.

Left stranded on a small ledge, the hiker contacted WSAR for help. The responding teams subsequently abseiled down the cliffs to him, assessed his injuries and administered medical care. They then raised him approximately 130 metres to the top of Table Mountain.

HUGE INCREASE IN RESCUE NUMBERS, SAYS WSAR

Worryingly, noted WSAR in a Facebook post, these seven mountain incidents mark a new year-to-date record. This equals WSAR’s busiest day on record for only the third time in their history.

What’s more, it has already surpassed the previous high recorded in 2024 by 17.5%. October 2026 saw 235 incidents; in comparison, October 2024 saw 200 at that point.

“We don’t share these numbers to suggest that people are becoming more careless, or that anyone should think twice about asking for help,” the post reads. “There are many possible reasons why rescue numbers have increased, and the figures alone don’t tell us what those reasons are.”

The post continues: “But they do tell us something important. More people are needing assistance, and we’re asking more of the volunteers, specialist teams and partner agencies who respond. Behind every one of those 235 incidents is someone who needed help. And behind every response are people who put their own plans aside to provide it.

“We want to extend our sincere appreciation to every volunteer rescuer, paramedic, helicopter crew member, technical specialist, law enforcement officer, ranger and support team who contributed to Saturday’s operations.”

SAFETY FIRST

Hiking is a beloved pastime in Cape Town, home of many beautiful hiking trails. Like most outdoor activities, however, hiking comes with its own set of dangerous risks.

If you’re planning a hike, WSAR advises to taking the following steps:

• Prepare thoroughly: This includes consulting a map to assess the length of the hike, water points on the trail and so on; double-checking your hiking gear; and keeping a sharp eye on the weather forecast.

• Keep somebody informed: Tell someone about your plans, including where you plan to hike and when exactly you intend to return.

• Gear up properly: Always carry a jacket, hat and sunscreen; wear comfortable shoes like takkies or hiking boots; keep a head lamp on your person; and carry enough food and water. A backpack is crucial for carrying essential gear.

• Cellphone protocol: Ensure that you fully charge your cellphone and that you save WSAR’s emergency number (021 937 0300) in your contacts. If you’re in an area with poor reception, switch to flight mode to save on battery power. You’d also do well to install a GPS tracker on your cellular device.

• Never hike alone: WSAR recommends hiking in a group of at least four people. That way, if one gets injured, another can stay with them while the others seek help.

• Gather info: If you find yourself in an emergency situation, establish the following before contacting rescue services: the type of incident it is (eg. a mountain accident); the number of people involved and severity of injuries; the name of your location; and, if applicable, your GPS coordinates.

If you have any helpful hiking tips that you’d like to share, be sure to drop them in the comments section below.