A dramatic rescue unfolded on Table Mountain Sunday morning when a 40-year-old hiker slipped and injured his lower leg while descending the Platteklip Gorge hiking trail, Cape town Etc reports.
The hiker, accompanied by his wife, was about a quarter of the way down the popular trail when the accident occurred. Unable to continue, the couple made an urgent call to emergency services shortly before 11am.
In a stroke of timing, nearby Wilderness Search and Rescue WSAR teams were engaged in technical scenario-based training on Tafelberg Road. The session, which was part of preparations for the summer hiking season, was suspended immediately. Rescuers mobilised quickly and headed to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Cable Station.
Over 30 rescuers, including City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers, boarded the cable car to reach the summit. From there, they navigated to the top of Platteklip Gorge and descended to the injured hiker.
The hiker was assessed on-site, treated for his injury, and secured in a rescue stretcher. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork and strategy, the rescuers carried him back up the trail to the Upper Cable Station.
