Cape Town police are gathering information to identify a BASE jumper who died following a wingsuit BASE jumping incident in Platteklip Gorge on Monday 5 January.
According to Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) — a network of agencies and volunteers working on search and rescue — teams were deployed to the top of Table Mountain to search for the pilot.
A team aboard the Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter assisted from the air.
The pilot was located shortly before 10:00 with fatal injuries.
“The deceased was flown from the mountain to a nearby landing zone and handed over to the South African Police Service. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time,” read a statement from WSAR.
Const. Ndakhe Gwala, provincial police spokesperson, said an inquest docket had been opened.
“An unidentified white male sustained fatal injuries whilst jumping from the top of the mountain. Police are currently gathering information to ascertain his identity as the injuries on his face are too severe.”
J.P. Louw, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson, said they were saddened by the tragedy and extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Louw described BASE jumping as an “illegal, unregulated activity” and said it is “strictly prohibited” within Table Mountain National Park.
“We therefore appeal to all visitors to refrain from undertaking such activities. The park is a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management Act and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where activities that pose risks to human life and the environment are not permitted,” explained Louw.
The incident comes amid a recent spate of serious aerial sports accidents on Cape Town’s iconic mountains.
