MCSA Search & Rescue: Hartebeespoort Cableway
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On Saturday, 22 July 2017, the Mountain Club of South Africa’s Search and Rescue (MCSA SAR) team successfully evacuated 140 people from the Hartebeespoort Aerial Cableway. A mechanical problem occurred at midday, leaving most guests stranded at the top station while 15 people – including a six-month-old baby – were stuck in the gondolas.
Working in collaboration with the Cableway Operators Team, the Off-Road Rescue Unit, the Lonmin Surface Rescue Team and MSAR Gauteng, the MCSA Search and Rescue team safely lowered all guests from the gondolas to the ground. Cableway management also chartered a private helicopter to airlift frail, very young, and elderly passengers, while others were driven down the mountain via jeep track in 4x4 vehicles operated by the Off-Road Rescue Unit.
The final rescuers and visitors were safely off the mountain by 20:00. The operation involved approximately 60 rescuers and 12 4x4 vehicles – a testament to the efficiency and cooperation between multiple rescue teams.
Read more on the MCSA Search and Rescue Facebook page.
Watch the MCSA SAR team practicing for this exact scenario:
Rescue training video by MCSA Search and Rescue.
Source: MCSA Search and Rescue Facebook page