Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape

02/06/2026

Chinese Consulate Honours Table Mountain Rescuers
Tuesday, 2 June 2026

• Rescuers and partners recognised at special Consular appreciation event
• Volunteers recognised for teamwork and professionalism
• A successful rescue celebrated across borders

Cape Town, South Africa - Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) extends its sincere appreciation to the Consular team of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town for hosting a special appreciation event on Friday 29 May 2026, recognising the rescue teams and partner agencies involved in the successful rescue of a Chinese tourist on Table Mountain in May.

The event, held at the Chinese Consulate in Newlands, brought together representatives from the organisations that worked together to bring the stranded visitor to safety after she became trapped on the mountain after dark. During the evening, rescuers were recognised for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to visitor safety. The rescued tourist, who has since returned safely to China, also shared a heartfelt video message expressing her gratitude to those involved in the operation.

The Consul-General, Ren Faqiang, praised the rescuers for their professionalism and selfless service, describing the rescue as an example of mutual support and cooperation between people.

"Every rescue has a story. This one is a reminder that the spirit of ubuntu is alive and well on our mountains," said WSAR spokesman David Nel.

"When a visitor found herself in need, people from different organisations, backgrounds and even nations came together with a common purpose: to help another human being. The rescue may have begun on Table Mountain, but the gratitude and goodwill it inspired travelled far beyond our shores."

The rescue highlighted the strength of collaboration between multiple agencies, including Wilderness Search And Rescue, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, SANParks - Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town Tourism and other supporting partners, whose coordinated efforts ensured a successful outcome despite the challenging conditions. It served as a powerful reminder that no single organisation rescues alone; successful outcomes are built on partnerships, trust and a shared commitment to helping others.

Read more about the rescue here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EWg8jXd9X/

WSAR teams respond to emergencies in some of the Western Cape's most challenging environments, often carrying specialist medical and technical rescue equipment across difficult terrain in adverse weather conditions. While recognition is never the motivation for responding, moments like these provide an important opportunity to celebrate the dedication of the teams who give their time, skills and energy in service of others and the communities they serve.

"The appreciation shown by the Consulate was deeply meaningful to our members," Nel said. "Our volunteers come from all walks of life and freely give their time to assist complete strangers. To have their contribution recognised in this way is a reminder that acts of service and compassion transcend language, nationality and borders."

As Cape Town continues to welcome visitors from around the world, WSAR remains committed to working alongside tourism stakeholders, public agencies and international partners to help ensure that everyone who enjoys the region's mountains and wilderness areas can do so safely.

WSAR once again thanks the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town for hosting the event and for recognising the extraordinary efforts of the rescuers and support personnel involved in this operation.

• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.

Photos by Yanrong Chen and Murray Williams

30/05/2026

Adding Extra Power to Mountain Rescue
Saturday, 30 May 2026

What if technology could help rescuers carry heavy equipment further, faster and with less fatigue?

Wilderness Search And Rescue has partnered with Hypershell to evaluate wearable exoskeleton technology in the demanding mountain environments of the Western Cape.

Read how our teams are helping test this innovative technology - https://wsar.org.za/2026/05/wilderness-search-and-rescue-partners-with-hypershell-to-explore-innovative-rescue-technology/

Could this help shape the future of mountain rescue? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Cape Town, South Africa – Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Hypershell as part of its ongoing commitment to exploring innovative solutions that support its ability to provide a world-class rescue service to the communities of the Western Cape. As a vol...

30/05/2026

Testing the Future of Mountain Rescue
Saturday, 30 May 2026

Can wearable exoskeleton technology from Hypershell help our rescuers go further, carry more and reduce fatigue in challenging terrain? Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is putting it to the test.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

🎥 Video by Murray Williams

27/05/2026

FROM THE EDGE OF DEATH TO THE WINNER’S PODIUM

Cape Town - Wednesday May 27, 2026

Courageous Cape Town heroine Tania Rosslee Morkel, who was rescued at death’s door on Table Mountain, has been awarded the inaugural:

“RSA Wilderness Ambassador Award”

The awards were founded by Murray Williams, in honour of his younger brother Kim, an avid wilderness-lover, who summitted Table Mountain more than 1 000 times, often in support of various charity organisations. His body was found by Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape (WSAR) after he fell from Kloof Corner Ridge, also on Table Mountain, on February 27, 2021.

The new roll of honour carries the following citation: “In salute of exceptional contributions to the safe and healthy enjoyment of South Africa’s wilderness areas and outdoors.”

WSAR was invited to nominate and bestow the inaugural award.

The launch event was hosted by Cape Union Mart, which now assists official members of WSAR’s rescue teams with outdoor gear, to be best prepared for their outdoor rescue environments. The legendary outdoor brand also sponsored prizes for the awards.

Murray Williams said: “It's not only rescuers who are the heroes, but ordinary citizens who love the outdoors, with a particular set of values. In particular: service to others, in the outdoors.

“My brother Kim was one of them. The ‘Wilderness Ambassador Awards’ now recognise those who live by the same selfless values that our WSAR rescue teams live by - and enjoy the wilderness in a particular kind of way.”

Accepting the Wilderness Ambassador Award, Tania said: “After deciding to survive, I wanted to not only survive, I wanted to thrive. And it all started at the bottom of that mountain when the WSAR people first arrived, and I felt I had a chance.”

Tania suffered her brutal injury in September 2023. She then spent six weeks in hospital, having broken her back in two places, fracturing multiple vertebrae, suffering a fructed skull, bleeding on her brain and a punctured lung.

Despite these extensive injuries, she has since returned with extraordinary courage to summit Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days, before embarking on a new campaign – the 13 peaks, repeated 13 times.

Since her near-death experience, and subsequent rescue and long fight back through rehabilitation, Tania has mounted several charity campaigns in support of:

· Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape

· SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR)

· Path and Boardwalk Maintenance, SANParks - Table Mountain National Park

· Protect Our Paths initiative

WSAR spokesman David Nel elaborated: “What makes Tania’s exploits truly inspirational is the ‘why’ behind her movement. Her efforts are focused entirely on the community.

“Tania describes each ascent as a ‘thank you note’ to the volunteers. By turning her personal survival into a fundraising vehicle, she ensures that the next person in need has the equipment and resources required for a successful rescue,” David said. “Her exploits empower others by redefining what is possible after a tragedy.”

The WSAR spokesman said her visibility has sparked a wave of support for mountain safety, encouraging hikers to take responsibility for their own preparedness while supporting the systems that keep them safe.

"Her grit on the mountain and her big heart off it show the spirit of what volunteer rescue work is all about. Tania Morkel’s legacy is not just the summits she reached, but the safety and courage she has built for every hiker who follows in her footsteps,” David said.

"This honours WSAR's 'Safe My Mate' mantra: 'I am safe, because we are safe.’"

Anyone who wishes to contribute to Tania’s valuable causes can do so through this link:

https://www.givengain.com/project/tania-raising-funds-for-2-causes-122154

24/05/2026

Cableway Heroes Saluted
Sunday, 24 May 2026

• “Cableway teams go above and beyond," says WSAR
• Birthday hike turns into night-time Table Mountain rescue
• Stranded hiker safely guided off India Venster after sunset

What started as a birthday hike on Table Mountain on Saturday afternoon, reminded us all, of:
The crucial partnership between Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

“Many people haven’t considered just how different rescue on Table Mountain would look without the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The ability to move rescuers, medics and technical equipment rapidly onto the mountain saves an enormous amount of time and energy during critical incidents,” said Wilderness Search And Rescue spokesperson, David Nel.

The 22-year-old visiting Chinese hiker became stranded near the Fountain Ledge scramble section of India Venster after being caught out by the earlier winter sunset while celebrating her birthday on the mountain.

Realising she was no longer able to continue safely in the dark, she did exactly the right thing and called for help. With only 5% cell phone battery remaining, she was unfortunately unable to share her exact GPS location. However, using the information she was able to provide, rescuers identified a likely search area and immediately mobilised.

Rescuers and equipment were rapidly ferried toward the summit by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, whose staff once again extended operations after hours to support the rescue.

While ascending in the cable car, rescuers briefly paused the cabin and called out into the darkness below. To everyone’s relief, the stranded hiker responded, allowing teams to quickly pinpoint her location on the mountain.

A small team made their way down from the Upper Cableway station, reaching the hiker shortly thereafter. Cold, but fortunately unharmed, she was provided with a warm jacket and head torch before being safely guided back to the upper cable station.
The operation was concluded safely at 21h47.

Praising the ongoing support provided by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and its staff, Nel continued, “Time and time again, the cableway teams quietly go above and beyond, often staying long after operational hours, to help rescuers reach people in need.

“The partnership between WSAR and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has become an incredibly important part of mountain safety on Table Mountain, and we are deeply grateful to both the operational teams and management for their continued support.”

A special thank you as well to the Chinese Consulate in Cape Town for their offer to assist with translation and communication during the incident.

Finally, thank you to all the rescuers and support teams who continue to give their time and energy to help visitors and locals safely enjoy our mountains.

And to our birthday hiker, happy birthday! We hope the rest of your visit is filled with many wonderful (and safe!) adventures.

• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.

Photos by David Nel, Andrew Lewis and Grant Duncan-Smith

22/05/2026

Race Against Time - in Mission Impossible

A Rescue Testimonial, By David Nel

Friday, 22 May 2026

As a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape, I often have the privilege of seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things. Thursday night’s operation on Table Mountain was one of those moments that leaves you humbled by the dedication, compassion and quiet heroism of this rescue community.

What began as a routine morning hike for a 50-year-old local man became a desperate race against time when he failed to return home later that afternoon.

By late afternoon, his wife became increasingly alarmed when multiple phone calls went unanswered. Knowing the inherent dangers of the mountain as daylight began to fade, she dialled the emergency number -021 937 0300.

In what would prove to be a lifesaving decision, she was able to access the family’s Life360 tracking application and provide rescuers with an accurate GPS location for her husband. In an environment as vast and unforgiving as Table Mountain, that information changed everything. Instead of searching an entire mountainside in the dark, rescuers could move directly toward a focused area while there was still time to make a difference.

And that is exactly what happened.

Within minutes, volunteer rescuers, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics, support staff and a SANParks - Table Mountain National Park ranger dropped whatever they were doing and mobilised toward the mountain. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway immediately stepped in to ferry rescuers and heavy technical gear to the upper station, allowing teams to gain precious time as temperatures dropped and visibility faded.

From there, rescuers moved quickly across steep terrain before leaving the path entirely to search exposed slopes below the trail.

They found the missing hiker just metres from the GPS coordinates provided by his wife. He had fallen down a drop-off onto a narrow ledge below the trail. Cold, critically injured and unresponsive, his survival depended entirely on the actions of the people surrounding him.

What followed was nothing short of remarkable.

Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics carefully descended onto the exposed ledge in darkness and immediately began advanced life-saving treatment under exceptionally difficult conditions. Working on a narrow mountainside at night, they fought to stabilise a man they had never met, relying on skill, teamwork and countless hours of training. Their calm professionalism and decisive interventions gave the patient a chance at survival before the technical extraction had even begun.

Above them, technical rescuers moved quietly and efficiently into position, each person instinctively stepping into their role without hesitation. Rope systems were built, anchors established and equipment prepared in the darkness with the kind of calm coordination that only comes from years of training and shared experience.

There was very little said, it was simply rescuers doing what they do, focused entirely on bringing a critically injured stranger home safely.

Once stabilised by paramedics below, the patient was carefully packaged into a rescue stretcher and hauled safely from the ledge before teams began the long and physically demanding carry back toward the upper cable station..

Once safely down the mountain, the injured hiker was handed over to a waiting ambulance and transported to hospital for further treatment.

There are many reasons this story had a positive outcome: a wife who acted early when something did not feel right, accurate location technology that saved critical time, highly trained paramedics delivering life-saving care in impossible conditions, and rescuers willing to push themselves physically and emotionally for a complete stranger.

But there is one more group who deserve special recognition.

A small team from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway made the selfless decision to miss their own staff function in order to keep the cableway operating for the duration of the rescue. They quietly stayed behind so rescuers could continue moving people and equipment rapidly up and down the mountain.
It is difficult to overstate how important that decision was.
Thank you.

Thursday night was a powerful reminder that mountain rescue is never about one person or one organisation. It is a community of people - volunteers, medics, rangers, EMS personnel, cableway staff and support teams - all coming together at a moment’s notice to save a life.

To every person involved, thank you.

And to the injured hiker and his family, we wish you strength and a full recovery in the days ahead.

• Delta Search & Rescue
• HAMNET
• High Angle Rescue & Access
• K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa
• Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue
• Off-Road Rescue Unit - ORRU
• SARZA - Western Cape
• The Hikers Network
• Trail SAR

Wherever your journey takes you, please be “Safe, My Mate.”

• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.

Photos by Naadirah te Water Naude, Adam Griffin, Daniel Vorster, Blake Dyason and Andrew Lewis

20/05/2026

Triple Mobilisation for Rescue Teams
Wednesday, 20 May 2026

• Rapid multi-agency response across two mountain regions
• Injured hiker carried down Platteklip Gorge by stretcher team
• Young trail runner rescued after impalement injury in Helderberg Nature Reserve
• Technical rescue teams support SAPS during Table Mountain recovery

Three separate incidents on Table Mountain and in the Helderberg Nature Reserve on Sunday evening highlighted both the risks associated with outdoor activities, and the remarkable depth of skill, coordination and capacity within the Wilderness Search And Rescue’s rescue network.

This trio of rescues included notable contributions by, and would not have been possible without the teams of rescuers, medics, rangers and reserve personnel, who worked together seamlessly to ensure that every call for assistance received an urgent and professional response.

Our sincere thanks go to all our volunteer rescuer teams, rangers, reserve personnel, SAPS, EMS and the staff of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, for their support, professionalism and teamwork throughout a challenging evening of operations.

• Delta Search & Rescue
• HAMNET
• High Angle Rescue & Access
• K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa
• Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue
• Off-Road Rescue Unit - ORRU
• SARZA - Western Cape
• The Hikers Network
• Trail SAR

Incident 1:
The first callout was received shortly before 16h30 after a 36-year-old hiker injured her ankle while descending Platteklip Gorge. The hiker reportedly jumped down a large rock step approximately one-third of the way down the trail, landing awkwardly and sustaining an ankle injury.

Unable to continue, friends of the injured hiker immediately called the emergency number - 021 937 0300.

Rescuers, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics, SANParks Honorary Rangers and SANParks - Table Mountain National Park rangers were ferried to the top station by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, before hiking down to the patient’s location. After being assessed and treated on scene, the patient was carefully assisted into a rescue stretcher and carried down the mountain by a large team of rescuers.

She was transported to hospital for further treatment, and the incident concluded at 22h40.

Incident 2:
While teams were deploying to Table Mountain, a second request for assistance was received from the Helderberg Nature Reserve, where a 22-year-old trail runner had slipped while descending from West Peak, impaling his leg on an exposed metal spike.

Reserve staff responded swiftly, reaching the injured runner and safely transporting him down to the care of medics waiting at the base of the trail.
The incident concluded at 18h23.

Incident 3:
As additional rescuers were being mobilised to assist in Platteklip Gorge, passengers aboard the cable car reported witnessing a hiker fall from a rock face on Table Mountain.

Nearby rescue teams, including a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, were immediately diverted to the scene, while additional rescuers were called in to assist. Sadly, despite the rapid response, the hiker was found deceased.

Rescuers carefully packaged the deceased into a stretcher before carrying the remains to a point below the cable car. From there, technical teams aboard the cable car were able to safely raise the stretcher from the mountain and transport the deceased to the lower cable station, where the body was handed over to SAPS officials on scene.
The incident was concluded at 21h50.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time, and wish both injured patients a speedy recovery following their ordeals.

These incidents highlight the ongoing commitment of our volunteer teams and partner agencies who continue to respond whenever assistance is needed in the mountains and wilderness areas of the Western Cape.

Wherever your journey takes you, remember “Safe My Mate.”

• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.

Photos by Hugo Vaughan, Chris Jacobs and David Nel

18/05/2026

RESCUE TEAMS GEAR UP WITH ICONIC OUTDOOR BRAND

Cape Union Mart partners with Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape Wilderness Search And Rescue to support volunteer rescuers in action.

One of South Africa’s most iconic outdoor brands has officially partnered with Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), in a meaningful collaboration aimed at supporting volunteer rescue teams with access to essential outdoor gear.

Read more about the partnership here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HCD1aDaZH/

18/05/2026

RESCUE TEAMS GEAR UP WITH ICONIC OUTDOOR BRAND

Cape Union Mart partners with Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape to support volunteer rescuers in action.

One of South Africa’s most iconic outdoor brands has officially partnered with Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), in a meaningful collaboration aimed at supporting volunteer rescue teams with access to essential outdoor gear.

With more than 100 rescue callouts already recorded this year, WSAR’s volunteer rescuers continue to operate in some of the country’s harshest and most unpredictable environments, often placing immense strain on their equipment.

Now, Cape Union Mart, a proudly South African brand with an outdoor heritage dating back to 1933, has stepped in to support official WSAR members and affiliated rescue organisations through cost-effective access to selected technical and outdoor gear.

The partnership was formally launched this week at Cape Union Mart’s Canal Walk store in Cape Town, where rescue members gathered to fit and select gear suited to the demanding conditions they regularly face in the field.

WSAR spokesperson David Nel welcomed the partnership, describing it as a natural alignment between two organisations deeply rooted in South Africa’s outdoor culture.

“Our rescue teams are activated in all conditions, across mountains, ravines, coastline terrain and remote wilderness areas, and that means our gear takes a significant beating,” said Nel.

“Cape Union Mart, with its iconic Table Mountain logo, has long been woven into the fabric of South Africa’s outdoor and adventure community. Their support in helping equip our volunteer rescuers with the right gear for every environment and weather condition is incredibly meaningful to us.

“WSAR and Cape Union Mart share a passion for the outdoors, for people, and for adventure pursued responsibly. This partnership represents a historic and heartfelt show of support for our rescue community.”

The collaboration forms part of Cape Union Mart’s broader commitment to enabling outdoor exploration while supporting the people who help keep South Africans safe in nature.

Steve Pearson, General Manager at Cape Union Mart, said the partnership reflects the brand’s long-standing connection to the South African outdoors and the communities who protect it.

“At Cape Union Mart, we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone, but we also recognise the incredible individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep people safe while exploring it. WSAR’s volunteers give their time, expertise and energy to rescue others in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Supporting them with access to dependable outdoor gear is a small way for us to give back to a community that embodies courage, resilience and a deep love for the outdoors.”

“We are proud to stand alongside WSAR and support the extraordinary work these teams do.”

The partnership launch also coincided with the introduction of WSAR’s inaugural Wilderness Ambassador Awards, recognising members of the public who have made exceptional contributions to the safe and responsible enjoyment of South Africa’s wilderness spaces.

Issued by: Lauren Josephs
Cape Union Mart International (Pty) Ltd

About WSAR
Wilderness Search And Rescue is a network of volunteer rescue professionals and partner organisations dedicated to assisting hikers, climbers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts in distress across South Africa’s wilderness areas.

Members of the public are encouraged to support rescue efforts by practising responsible outdoor safety, sharing accurate route plans before heading outdoors, and familiarising themselves with emergency procedures before embarking on adventures.

About Cape Union Mart
Cape Union Mart has been equipping South Africans for life outdoors since 1933. As one of the country’s most iconic outdoor and adventure retailers, the brand offers trusted apparel, equipment and gear designed for exploration across every terrain and season. With a deep-rooted passion for adventure, sustainability and local outdoor culture, Cape Union Mart continues to inspire and enable generations of South Africans to discover the outdoors with confidence.

• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.

09/05/2026

Peer pressure is a dangerous thing 😅

In the excitement of the 2026 Cableway Charity Challenge start line, our Team Leader, John Davids, has been convinced that joining the athletes on the run today is a good idea…

Whether this was courage, poor judgement, or simply an inability to say no, we may never know. What we do know is that this is elite-level punishment!

Let’s rally behind him and show some support as he swaps the rescue boots for running shoes for the day 👏

If you’d like to sponsor John (and help motivate those tired legs), you can donate here: https://www.charitychallenge.co.za//sponsor-a-participant/212

Good luck John… This is seriously hardcore 💥🏃