At 11:24 a call went out for Noordhoek Peak, with no additional information at the time as to the nature of the incident. Jason (ZS1ZW) was activated, with the initial RV indicated as East Fort on Chapman’s Peak. Upon arrival (11:55) this was amended to Silvermine parking, so final arrival there was 12:32. Between Jason and the Metro Rescue vehicle we were able to load gear and personnel for an initial team and drive them up to the peak. Updates to the call came through that there was a fallen climber in a party, at a minimum Red.

We arrived at Blackburn turnoff at 12:50 and hasty team of 7 deployed at 12:54. Jason, Michael Letegan (Delta S&R) and Tim  relocated up towards Eagles Nest to relay for comms into the gorge, and encountered a portion of the party who had been with the climber. They indicated that there seemed to be some confusion regarding the location, as it was NOT reported as Blackburn Gorge, but rather one over below the Eagle lookout. They were able to indicate the path to the location. We recalled the initial hasty team, although they were also returning, having made contact with a further member of the party who had advised the correct location.

Brian (ZS1BTD) arrived at RV during this time, and ran control at the parking area. Additionally we had to utilise Ewart (MCSA) as a second relay for comms into the Team 1 in the gorge.

Skymed became available after completing a patient transfer but they were unable to assist as the winds in the area were too string for them. The first team reached the patient who sadly declared the patient status “blue”. They requested additional climbing equipment and stretcher to remove the patient. Additional teams arrived as well as a team from forensics department. The patient was retrieved and handed to the forensics people for transportation.

All teams returned to the staging area and held a debrief after which they were all stood down at 17:30.