Fatal wingsuit accident leads to renewed ban on BASE jumping in Table Mountain National Park

Authorities have reiterated that BASE jumping remains illegal in Table Mountain National Park following Monday’s fatal wingsuit incident in Platteklip Gorge, as further details of the recovery operation emerged.

Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) spokesperson David Nel confirmed that the search and recovery operation was concluded shortly after 11:26am on Monday after the crashed pilot was located shortly before 10am.

“The crashed pilot was located shortly before 10am. Tragically, he was found deceased,” Nel said. The body was flown from the mountain to a nearby landing zone and handed over to the South African Police Service.

The operation involved extensive coordination between ground and aerial teams, including Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS, South African National Parks (SANParks), SAPS Search and Rescue, ER24, SANParks Honorary Rangers, Air Mercy Service (AMS) and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement. Rescuers accessed the mountain via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, while a rescue helicopter assisted from the air.

SANParks head of communications JP Louw said the incident occurred in the northern section of Table Mountain National Park and used the incident to again caution the public against illegal activities in the protected area.

“SANParks reiterates that BASE jumping is an illegal, unregulated activity and is strictly prohibited within Table Mountain National Park,” Louw said. He added that the park is protected under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where activities posing a risk to human life and the environment are not permitted.

Both WSAR and SANParks extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and thanked all rescue personnel and volunteers for their professionalism during the operation.

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Cape Argus