CAPE TOWN – Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) responded to seven incidents on Table mountain on Saturday (24 October), including an overnight operation to rescue an injured hiker who was stranded on a cliff.

The incidents equalled the organisation’s highest daily rescue total on record, while the number of rescues recorded this year has reached 235 by Sunday (25 October) – more than 17% above the previous record for the same period.

According to WSAR, 235 records had been recorded by 25 October this year, compared with 39 during the same period in 200 – an increase of more than 500%. The previous year-to-date record was 200 incidents in 2024.

One of Saturday’s most demanding operations involved a 24-year-old hiker who fell about four metres while attempting to climb a break in the cliffs above Union Ravine. He stained injuries and became stranded on a small ledge.

Rescue teams abseiled down the cliffs to reach him before raising him approximately 130 meters to the top of Table Mountain.

With the cableway no longer operating rescuers carried the hiker to shelter near the upper cable station, arriving at about 04:40 on Sunday. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway team later assisted in evacuating the hiker and rescuers in strong winds.

The other incidents included an injured female hiker who was airlifted to hospital, a 56-year-old American visitor who collapsed while hiking Platteklip Gorge and a couple who requested assistance while descending the technical sections of India Venster.

Another hiker who suffered severe cramps was assisted to the upper cable station, while a 24-year-old woman who twisted her ankle in Cecilia Forest was helped back to the parking area.

The seventh incident involved a 32-year-old Tunisian visitor who was hiking alone and became unable to navigate an unfamiliar route near the India Venster trail as darkness fell. Rescue teams reached him along the Grotto Fountain Cairn Traverse and assisted him down the mountain

WSAR said the rising number of incidents placed increasing demands on volunteer rescuers, special teams and emergency service partners, with busy summer hiking season still ahead.

The organisation said the figures alone did not explain the increase and stressed that hikers should not hesitate to call for help when in danger.

While rescue teams responded to emergencies, other volunteers conducted a safety patrol on Lion’s Head, sharing safety advice and distributing more than 33 litres of water to hikers who run out. Specialist teams also conducted cave rescue training near Kalk Bay.

The organisation said continued support for rescue teams became increasingly important as the number of incidents grew.

WSAR urged hikers to prepare properly, carry sufficient water and suitable clothing, take a torch and ensure someone knows their route and expected return time.

Hikers needing assistance can contact WSAR on [021 937 0300](tel:021 937 0300).

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