Two hikers were rescued after becoming stranded on a small ledge in Window Gorge at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, Western Cape.
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Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) in the Western Cape reported receiving a distress call on Saturday night.
‘The hikers had called for help after multiple failed attempts to recover their ropes after they completed the sixth abseil,’ WSAR said in a statement.
The hikers, aged 35 and 37, had set out from Kirstenbosch on Saturday morning, planning to hike up Skeleton Gorge and return via Window Gorge.
‘They had completed six of the seven abseils when their ropes became stuck. After battling in the waterfall to recover the ropes, and with no way to safely proceed, the pair immediately called the emergency contact number,’ WSAR added.
WSAR reported that a small technical team quickly ascended to the top of Window Gorge and began the multiple abseils down to the stranded hikers.
‘On reaching the hikers, rescuers freed their stuck ropes, the drenched pair were given dry clothes, and together the group continued down the last abseil,’ WSAR stated.
Additionally, WSAR mentioned that a drone from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness EMS was deployed to monitor the rescue team’s progress.
‘The team used the drone’s powerful light to help navigate challenging terrain. Once safely out of the gorge, the group hiked down the trail to meet the rest of the team,’ WSAR added.
According to IOL, the rescue mission was completed in the early hours of Sunday.
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Picture: @TheBushFundi / X