Tragic base jumping accident claims life on Table Mountain

A man who reportedly fell while base-jumping from Table Mountain was found dead on Monday, January 5, following a multi-agency search and rescue operation.

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), together with several emergency services, said the teams responded to reports of a crashed base jumper on the mountain on Monday morning, just after 10:30am.

After an extensive and coordinated search, the individual was located but was declared deceased at the scene.

WSAR spokesperson David Nel extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and thanked the rescue teams and volunteers involved in what he described as a challenging recovery operation.

 “No further details are available at this time,” said Mr Nel.

The body was extracted from the mountain by a rescue helicopter and handed over to the police.

According to provincial police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the man has not yet been identified.

She said that Cape Town Central police have opened an inquest docket following the incident.

“An unidentified white male sustained fatal injuries while jumping from the top of the mountain,” she said.

Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with holidaymakers and hikers sharing their shock after witnessing the recovery operation. 

Several social media users described the scene as distressing, while also praising the efforts of emergency personnel.

Nicolette Tilley said it was difficult to watch the rescue unfold. 

“It was hard watching the rescue, but my gosh, our emergency response teams are deserving of so much praise,” she said.

Other commenters have questioned the safety of base-jumping on Table Mountain, with some calling for the sport to be banned, citing concerns that such incidents could place hikers and other mountain users at risk.

Authorities have urged the public to allow the investigation and identification process to continue while emergency services remain on standby during the busy holiday period.