SA Navy submariners killed during Kommetjie drill named
The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has conveyed its condolences to the families of three navy officers who died during a naval exercise on Wednesday.
The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has conveyed its condolences to the families of three navy officers who died during a naval exercise on Wednesday.
The South African Navy submariners, who were on board the SAS Manthatisi, died after being swept away from their submarine in choppy waters off Kommetjie, in the Western Cape.
The trio were among seven members who were recovered from the waters during the incident, which left one senior officer in a critical condition.
READ: Three South African navy divers die off Cape Town
In a statement on Thursday morning, the SANDF released the names of the deceased.
They are Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector (Executive Officer), Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (Coxswain), and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (Coxswain under training).
Hector was the first woman officer in Africa to navigate a submarine combat officer.
Tribute to SA Navy members || Chapel inside the Navy Museum in Simon's Town.
— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) September 21, 2023
Members of the public are bringing flowers in memory of the deceased submariners.#SANDF#SANavy#RIPSASoldiers pic.twitter.com/3BzZuDqjpP
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, her deputy Thabang Makwetla, SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya, the Chief of the SA Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese and Flag Officer Fleet Rear Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde, and other senior officials, extended their condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the submariners.
“The families of the deceased members have been notified and military Chaplains and Social Workers are offering support to the family,” the statement read.
PRESIDENT SADDENED BY PASSING OF MARINERS
As Commander-in-Chief of South Africa’s Armed Forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members who died.
President Ramaphosa said: “This is a sad loss for our nation and for our brave armed forces in particular who routinely face danger in order so that all of us can be safe and secure.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, commanders, and colleagues of the crew members we have lost. We wish the injured personnel a full recovery from the physical and psychological trauma they experienced during this tragedy.
“We also appreciate the efforts of all role players who, at great risk to themselves, undertook the rescue and recovery operation.”
Following the publication of the officers' names, the bereaved families have asked for privacy.
ALSO READ: