Boyes Drive fire under control; brave WSAR team rescues teenager from Table Mountain

IOL News

2 days ago

WSAR responded to the lower slopes of Table Mountain after receiving reports that a lone 16-year-old hiker was stranded on a small ledge above the contour path on Friday afternoon.
Image: WSAR
City Fire and Rescue Services monitored the site of a fire that broke out above Boyes Drive on Sunday morning, with no visible flare-ups reported overnight. Multiple firefighting teams from SANParks, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), and the City of Cape Town were on the scene managing the situation.
According to City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse, the fire was largely contained by Sunday evening.
On Monday morning, Carelse said: 'We had relief crews on site, in addition to the crews from Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
'We will continue to monitor the area during the day.'
On Sunday, SANParks said that the left flank of the fire had been contained in areas accessible on foot, while the right flank in Peck's Valley continues to burn downhill towards the road.
At around 3pm on Carelse said that the fire above Boyes Drive had been largely contained, and that they were standing down the majority of the resources.
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According to City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse, the fire was largely contained by Sunday evening.
Image: NCC Wildfires/Supplied
'Once again, the collaboration with the various agencies TMNP, VWS, and NCC, yielded positive results. Crews will remain on scene until the last ember has been extinguished.'
The weather is likely to assist the firefighters as the SA Weather Service said that partly cloudy conditions are expected 'along the southern areas with isolated rain and showers expected for 16 June 2025'.
Firefighting efforts aside, teams of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers and professionals, including SANParks - TMNP rangers and SEAM team members, had their hands busy over the weekend.
WSAR responded to the lower slopes of Table Mountain after receiving reports that a lone 16-year-old hiker was stranded on a small ledge above the contour path on Friday afternoon.
According to the young hiker, he had attempted to find a shortcut from the India Venster trail to the Contour Path. While descending the steep ground, he slipped and fell a short way onto a narrow ledge. WSAR spokesperson David Nel said he was uninjured in the fall.
'A passing good Samaritan spotted the stranded youth and quickly raised the alarm by calling the emergency number – 021 937 0300.
'Rescue teams immediately responded to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Cable Station, swiftly hiking up to locate the stuck hiker on a cliff above the Contour Path.
'A rescue climber on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was flown to the scene and hoisted down to the ledge. The youth was helped into a rescue harness before being hoisted from the small ledge and flown to a nearby landing zone.'
The incident was concluded with everyone safely off the mountain at 6.36pm.
'Just as climbing a mountain requires physical and mental fortitude, navigating life's difficulties demands perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to overcome adversity. The journey to the summit, much like the journey through life, is rarely easy, but the rewards of reaching the top are worth the effort,' Nel said.
"This Youth Day, and with school holidays only a few days away, we urge hikers of all ages to embrace the enduring spirit of adventure responsibly. Research your intended routes to ensure age and ability-appropriate outings.
'Keep in mind that the days are shorter, so plan your outdoor activities for earlier in the day. Walk in groups and always tell someone where you're going, and respect the natural environment, always keep to the trails and avoid shortcuts.
'Make sure to pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing before venturing outdoors,' Nel added.
Nel said that most importantly, hikers should ensure they save the correct emergency number and that they should call WSAR sooner rather than later – 021 937 0300.
Cape Argus