Another fall on Table Mountain
2010-06-21 09:23
Shantel Moses, Die Burger
Cape Town - An Austrian tour guide who has been living in South Africa for the past two years was rescued by helicopter on Sunday after he fell about 50 metres on Table Mountain.
Christian Mekohitsch, 25, is in a critical condition after he fell at Woody Buttress at the Twelve Apostles.
According to Wilderness Search and Rescue member Anwaaz Bent, the incident happened at about 09:00.
"Mekohitsch was hiking along a path with two of his friends on top of the mountain when he slipped and fell about 50m," said Bent.
By late on Sunday night, his condition was still critical.
Third fall on mountain
Mekohitsch was the third person in less than two weeks to have a fall on the mountain.
Merle Collins, spokesperson for the Table Mountain National Park, said a 62-year-old British man had fallen on the mountain last Thursday after he became dizzy.
The man sustained a few broken ribs and is in a stable condition.
An American teenager, Michael Ryan Berisa, 14, fell to his death in a ravine on the mountain last weekend.
Collins said there was no link between the incidents.
"Because Table Mountain is so beautiful, people forget sometimes that it is still a mountain and they have to be careful."
Collins advised the public to wear the right clothing and shoes when going up the mountain.
"People should also walk in groups and ensure they have the Table Mountain National Park's emergency number at hand."
