Cape Town – A group of student hikers had to be rescued from Table Mountain after an injured member of the party was unable to complete the hike, prompting Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) to launch a second emergency operation after the group initially declined assistance.
According to WSAR, the students had set out on Friday morning from Kloof Nek, ascending Diagonal before traversing the mountain towards Platteklip Gorge.
Shortly after 4pm, the group called the emergency number after a young woman injured her ankle between Echo Valley and the top of Platteklip Gorge, leaving her unable to continue safely.
With the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway closed for annual maintenance, rescue teams were deployed via the Constantia Nek jeep track to reach the hikers.
However, before rescuers arrived, the students informed emergency services that they had decided to carry the injured hiker themselves and continue descending via Platteklip Gorge.
“They declined any further assistance, and the rescue response was stood down,” WSAR said in a statement.
Hours later, shortly before 11pm, rescuers received another emergency call about hikers in distress on Platteklip Gorge. It was quickly established that it was the same group of students.
Rescue teams were immediately redeployed with warm clothing, food and water for the exhausted hikers.
A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic assessed and treated the injured student before rescuers slowly assisted her down the remainder of the trail to a waiting ambulance. She was transported to hospital for further assessment and treatment.
The rescue operation concluded at 1.20am on Saturday.
WSAR said the students’ decision to continue without rescue assistance delayed medical care for the injured hiker and prolonged the operation.
Medical assessment
“The decision to continue descending without rescue assistance delayed medical assessment and treatment for the injured hiker. It also highlights the importance of allowing rescue teams to intervene as early as possible,” the organisation said.
The rescue organisation urged hikers to seek help as soon as they realise they may not be able to complete a hike safely.
“Call for help as soon as it becomes clear that your group may not be able to complete the hike safely. Early notification allows rescuers to plan the safest and most efficient response before conditions deteriorate,” WSAR said.
It also advised hikers to remain where they are unless instructed otherwise by rescuers.
“Stay where you are unless your situation becomes immediately unsafe or rescue teams advise otherwise. Changing plans without informing rescuers can delay medical care, duplicate rescue efforts and place others at risk,” the statement added.
WSAR reminded outdoor enthusiasts that early intervention gives rescuers the best opportunity to provide safe and timely assistance.
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Picture: Facebook/ Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
