A technical team from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) assisted a party of five who attempted to abseil down Window Gorge late on Friday.
Also read: Look: WSAR saves group of hikers trapped in gorge by heavy rain
The group started their hike from Cecilia Forest earlier on Friday morning and had planned to descend Window Gorge, a steep route high above Newlands Forest.
According to the WSAR, the descent route is technically challenging and requires hikers to complete a series of eight abseils before hiking back down to the contour path.
‘Unfortunately, the hikers had underestimated the wet and slippery conditions in the gorge and called WSAR when it became clear that they were not going to complete the descent before dark,’ said the organisation.
‘They had already completed two abseils and were not able to get back to the start of the route.’
The rescue team was driven up the back of Table Mountain, arriving on the scene well after dark. Once on scene, the team quickly located and abseiled down to the hikers.
The rescuers then constructed a rope system to raise the hikers back up to the start of the trail.
The team and hikers were safely driven back to Cecilia Forest, and the incident was concluded at 3:30am on Saturday morning.
‘It’s clear that the seasons are changing,’ said WSAR spokesperson David Nel. ‘It’s a beautiful time to be out in the hills, but a little extra care is required.’
‘If you haven’t already, pack in those warm layers, your rain jacket and make sure to include a torch.’
‘The sun is setting over an hour earlier than it did in December and January, and it’s fairly common to get caught out after dark at this time of year.’
Members of the public are reminded to save and memorise the WSAR emergency contact number, 021 937 0300.
Also read:
WSAR assists in retrieving the body of a fallen hiker above Boyes Drive