German hikers saved on Table Mountain in daring moonlight rescue

WSAR responded to Table Mountain to help two stranded German hikers who had mistakenly deviated from the India Venster trail.

WSAR responded to Table Mountain to help two stranded German hikers who had mistakenly deviated from the India Venster trail. Image: WSAR Facebook

Teams of dedicated volunteers and professionals from Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) responded to Table Mountain to help two stranded German hikers who had mistakenly deviated from the India Venster trail and reported being stuck high above Camps Bay.

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The two hikers, aged 23 and 24, started up India Venter late on Monday afternoon intending to make their way to the Upper Cable Station.

Roughly halfway up the trail they lost their way and mistakenly crossed over Kloof Corner Ridge onto the Grotto Fountain Cairn Traverse.

Call for help

They hiked as far as Cairn Buttress above Camps Bay, before realising that they were not following the correct trail and were lost.

Their call for help was transferred to the correct emergency number – (021) 937 0300, shortly before 21:00.

Rescuers were ferried to the Upper Cable Station in the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway cable car and swiftly made their way down to find the stranded visitors.

The two stuck hikers were located shortly before 02:00 on Tuesday morning.

Rescuers gave them torches and checked that they were warm enough, before guiding them down to the Lower Cable Station.

The incident was concluded at 03:47 when everyone was safely off the mountain.

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According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR): “We want to remind all outdoor enthusiasts that the seasons are changing and ask them to plan accordingly.

“Start any outdoor activities earlier remembering that the sun sets earlier as the seasons start to change.

“Pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing before venturing outdoors.

“Most importantly, ensure you save the correct emergency number”, said Nel.