A daring late-night rescue operation unfolded on the cliffs of Hillcrest Estate, a boutique wine and olive estate near Durbanville, after a young dog’s playful pursuit turned perilous, leaving him stranded high above the ground and sparking a carefully coordinated emergency response.
Sable, a two-and-a-half-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, found himself in trouble on Saturday evening (21 March) after chasing dassies up a steep rock face in a quarry that is on the farm.
In his enthusiasm, the energetic pup managed to scramble approximately 20 metres up an 80-metre cliff only to realise he could not make his way back down, according to a statement by Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).
When Sable failed to return home, his owner began searching and eventually located him perched on a narrow ledge, visibly stuck and unable to descend.
WSAR teams were called in and joined forces with the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. Together, they launched a technical rescue operation under challenging conditions.
Rescuers set up a rope system and lowered a K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa operator down the cliff, followed by a Fire and Rescue specialist. The operation required precision and calm coordination to ensure the safety of both rescuers and the stranded animal.
In a lighter moment during the tense rescue, “droëwors diplomacy” played a key role. Using pieces of droëwors to gain Sable’s trust, rescuers were able to reassure the anxious pup and secure him safely in a specialised harness, WSAR’s statement read.
Once tethered to his rescuer, Sable was carefully lowered to the ground and reunited with his relieved family. The operation concluded shortly before 01:00 on Sunday (22 March).
Following his ordeal, Sable is reportedly recovering well at home, enjoying rest and plenty of attention from his family. According to his owners, he has shown little interest in returning to the quarry, instead opting for safer activities like playing fetch, the statement read.
You must be logged in to post a comment.