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09 February 2016

Media Release: Another tragic accident on Table Mountain National Park

According to Park manager, Mr Paddy Gordon, rescue efforts were severely hampered by the terrain which included steep slopes and an unstable surface. “The patient slipped from his original landing point and the first rescuers on site tried to stop him from slipping further by tying a sling to his arm. Unfortunately they could not extract him because they were unable to get the patient into a stretcher for the helicopter to airlift him off the mountain. The patient subsequently died of his injuries on site” said Mr Gordon.

Although Park management will constantly improve footpaths and introduce safety measures, tragedies of this nature remind us that Table Mountain is wilderness terrain and extreme caution needs to be exercised.

A full investigation is being undertaken to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident. Please direct any enquiries to SAPS Central.

In the meantime Park management encourages all users of the Park to observe elementary mountain safety measures, such as:

  • Staying on demarcated pathways and trails
  • Wearing the correct hiking gear and shoes
  • Not carrying valuables, cash, cameras, iPods etc
  • Cycling, hiking or running during daylight hours only
  • Not hiking alone
  • Keeping an eye on the weather and other mountain conditions
  • Informing at least one other person not hiking with you of your destination and estimated arrival time

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Cape Region Communications

Enquiries:
Tarcia Hendricks
Public Relations Officer: SANParks Cape Region
E-mail: [email protected]