An attempted shortcut turned treacherous when a 16-year-old lone hiker found himself stranded on a small ledge above the Contour Path on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The young hiker reportedly slipped and fell a short way onto a narrow ledge when he attempted to find a shortcut from the India Venster trail to the Contour Path on Friday afternoon.
Stranded and, thankfully, uninjured, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) immediately sprang into action after a good Samaritan spotted the 16-year-old and called the emergency number.
‘Rescue teams immediately responded to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Cable Station, swiftly hiking up to locate the stuck hiker on a cliff above the Contour Path,’ said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.
‘A rescue climber on board the rescue helicopter was flown to the scene and hoisted down to the ledge. The youth was helped into a rescue harness before being hoisted from the small ledge and flown to a nearby landing zone.’
The hiker and rescue team returned safely from the mountain and the incident was concluded at 6:36pm.
‘Embrace the enduring spirit of adventure, responsibly’
Commenting on the incident, and in light of Youth Day and the upcoming school holidays, Nel urges hikers of all ages the ’embrace the enduring spirit of adventure, responsibly’ by taking note of the following safety guidelines:
- Research your intended routes to ensure age and ability appropriate outings
- Keep in mind that the days are shorter, so plan your outdoor activities for earlier in the day
- Walk in groups and always tell someone where you’re going
- Respect the natural environment, always keep to the trails and avoid shortcuts
- Make sure to pack a torch and an extra layer of clothing before venturing outdoors
- Always ensure you save the correct emergency number (021 937 0300)
‘Just as climbing a mountain requires physical and mental fortitude, navigating life’s difficulties demands perseverance, resilience and a willingness to overcome adversity. The journey to the summit, much like the journey through life, is rarely easy, but the rewards of reaching the top are worth the effort,’ concludes Nel.
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Here’s when SANParks will reopen fire-affected Tokai and Silvermine trails
Picture: Adam Griffin, Grant Duncan-Smith & Mountain Club of SA-Search and Rescue / WSAR / Facebook
