30/09/2026
On Sunday afternoon, Hout Bay SAPS requested assistance after a couple became stranded on Hangberg mountain near the Boss 400 shipwreck, in the direction of Sandy Bay.
CCP’s Control Room logged the incident, contacted the couple, and alerted Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape and SANParks - Table Mountain National Park for assistance. As the situation developed, CCP remained in contact with the hikers and shared updates with the relevant rescue teams.
One of our CCP responders advised that the couple move back towards the Boss 400 wreck rather than continue towards Hangberg, as that section is highly technical and difficult to navigate. CCP also assisted with sharing the hikers’ contact details and updating WSAR and SANParks on their movements.
A CCP responder also reached out to the local trail running community to see whether support could be arranged to get liquids, electrolytes and a battery pack to the hikers. It was then confirmed that TrailSAR had already been activated.
By early evening, rescue teams had reached the couple. Due to the difficult terrain, fading light and conditions on the mountain, the decision was made for rescuers to remain with them overnight.
On Monday morning, strong winds prevented a helicopter extraction, and the rescue plan was adapted. The hikers were later safely extracted by sea, with NSRI assisting from the water.
This was a complex overnight operation involving many moving parts, and we are grateful to every team and responder who played a role in bringing it to a safe conclusion.
THANK YOU to Hout Bay SAPS, Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape, SANParks - Table Mountain National Park, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS, Air Mercy Service (AMS), NSRI, TrailSAR, the local trail running community, CCP’s Control Room, CCP responders, and everyone involved in the coordination, monitoring, rescue and follow-up.
Incidents like this are a strong reminder of why inter-agency cooperation matters. In Hout Bay, safety is strongest when everyone works together.
Please take care on the mountain. Avoid unfamiliar, overgrown or poorly marked routes, do your homework before setting out, and do not rely only on navigation apps. Where needed, consult with a local guide or hike with someone who knows the route. Always pack enough liquids, electrolytes and battery power, and call for help early if conditions change or someone in your group starts struggling🙏
