Base jumper dies at Table Mountain as SANParks reiterates ban on extreme sport

South African National Parks (SANParks) has reiterated that base jumping is an illegal, unregulated activity and is strictly prohibited within Table Mountain National Park following the death of a base jumper on Monday.

SANParks on Tuesday expressed its sadness at the tragic loss of life involving a base jumper at Platteklip Gorge in the northern section of Table Mountain National Park.

“Rangers and emergency services responded immediately, and following a coordinated rescue operation, the affected individual was located. Sadly, the person was declared deceased at the scene.

“SANParks extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” SANParks said.

They appealed to all visitors to refrain from undertaking illegal, unregulated activities within Table Mountain National Park.

“The park is a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where activities that pose risks to human life and the environment are not permitted.”

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) confirmed their teams responded following reports of a wingsuit base jumping incident in Platteklip Gorge.

Base jumping is an extreme sport in which participants jump from fixed objects such as Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), or Earth (cliffs), while using a parachute to slow their descent.

Wingsuit base jumping adds an additional layer of complexity: a specialized suit with fabric stretched between the arms and legs allows the jumper to glide horizontally and control their descent like flying before deploying a parachute. While wingsuits enable longer flight and increased manoeuvrability, they also increase the risks involved.

“A substantial search and recovery operation was launched, involving numerous ground teams and aerial resources," WSAR said.

“Rescuers were deployed to the top of Table Mountain via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway cable car to search down Platteklip Gorge for the downed pilot, while a small team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter assisted from the air.

“The crashed pilot was located shortly before 10am. The recovery was carried out with care and sensitivity. The deceased was flown from the mountain to a nearby landing zone and handed over to the police.”

WSAR acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of all responding agencies, rescue personnel and volunteers.

Contact WSAR in case of emergencies on 021 937 0300.

Members of the public can report any illegal activities at Table Mountain National Park by contacting our Emergency Number on 086 110 6417 or emailing: Table.Mountain@sanparks.org

Cape Times