Africa-Press – South-Africa. Fourteen tourists were rescued in mountains in the Western Cape over the New Year weekend.
According to Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), 12 rescue operations were launched between Saturday and Monday, and nine of them involved tourists.
“The Western Cape is internationally famous for its outdoor wonders and is loved by both locals and visitors – from the rest of South Africa, Africa and the world,” said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.
“This past weekend has been peak season. We are mindful that many visitors will not know our mountains, gorges and valleys, as well as locals.”
Only nine of the rescue operations took place on Table Mountain. Teams were called to Platteklip Gorge on three separate occasions for people who were struggling in the high temperatures.
A rescue helicopter provided critical assistance in four of the incidents, Nel added.
“Traditionally, we see higher temperatures in January, February and March, and we appeal to all wilderness enthusiasts to plan appropriately, avoid hiking in the hottest hours of the day, carry more water than normal and save our emergency contact number, 021 937 0300, to their phones,” he said.
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