As temperatures drop and days get shorter, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) reminds outdoor enthusiasts to plan accordingly given that hiking trails get dark quickly with earlier sunsets in winter.
The warning comes after WSAR responded to two separate incidents of hikers left stranded after dark over the weekend.
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On Sunday evening, the organisation received a call for help from a visiting group of hikers from Pretoria stranded on Theressa Avenue above Camps Bay.
The group, aged between 41 and 57, intended to hike down from Table Mountain earlier in the day after having taken a cable car up to the top.
‘A passing hiker had provided vague advice which led them across the mountain towards Camps Bay,’ reported WSAR. ‘Unable to safely continue after sunset, they called the emergency contact number.’
Springing into action, a small team of rescuers headed up Kasteelpoort to find the group and, upon arrival, provided them with warm clothing, food and water, as well as head torches.
The team then slowly guided the group back to a waiting vehicle after they had sufficiently warmed up. According to the organisation, one of the hikers became exhausted on the way down so team members took turns carrying her down the trail.
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The rescue operation was concluded at 10:40pm.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel added that the organisation’s rescue teams responded to a similar call in Skeleton Gorge on Saturday evening after two visiting Russian hikers were left stranded after dark.
‘Rescuers drove up the Back Table from Constantia Nek and hiked down to locate the two ladies. They were guided back up the trail to the vehicles and driven down to Constantia Nek,’ said Nel.
‘We urge all outdoor enthusiasts to take note of the earlier winter sunset times and plan accordingly,’ he added. ‘Remember to pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing. Most importantly, don’t wait, please call us sooner.’
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Picture: Blake Dyason / Wilerness Search and Rescue WSAR Western Cape / Facebook