20-year-old solo hiker rescued after 14-hour overnight rescue operation
A 20-year-old hiker was rescued from Table Mountain after a 14-hour operation involving specialist rope teams and drone technology. The drone played a crucial role in locating the hiker and providing psychological reassurance during the night.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing utility of drone technology in search and rescue operations in difficult terrain.
A 20-year-old hiker was left stranded after attempting to tackle Table Mountain on their own late on Sunday afternoon, leading to a complex 14-hour overnight rescue operation.
Members of the Western Cape Search and Rescue (WSAR) reported that the lone hiker became disorientated while high above Newlands.
After losing the trail, he found himself stranded on a steep cliff, unable to move either forwards or backwards safely.
Realising the seriousness of the situation and limited battery life, the 20 year old decided to call for help before darkness closed in.
Members of the WSAR responded and deployed specialist rope-rescue personnel from the aerial cableway’s upper station.
Working through the night in steep, exposed terrain, the Western Cape government health and wellness EMS drone unit provided aerial imagery to help the team locate the hiker.
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