On Wednesday, September 20, three members of the South African Navy lost their lives, and one officer remains in critical condition after a huge wave swept them and three others off the SAS Manthatisi submarine near the town of Kommetjie, close to Cape Town.
As detailed by the South African Department of Defense, the submarine was undergoing a supply transfer operation at the time. An Air Force Lynx helicopter was tasked with transferring supplies to the submarine. However, an unforeseen wave disrupted this operation.
Subsequent to the incident, seven crew members were promptly rescued. Three of them succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The other crew members were provided with the necessary medical attention.
The Department of Defense released the names of those who tragically lost their lives: Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela. There’s an ongoing official probe into the details of the unfortunate event.
Officials, including the Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, and acting Secretary of Defense Thobekile Gamede, shared their condolences. Chairperson Cyril Xaba praised the multi-agency rescue response, highlighting the efficient collaboration among them. The committee further shared their sympathies and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
