SA Navy submariners hailed as ‘dedicated team members’
The South African Navy submariners who died last week during a naval exercise have been remembered as dedicated team members who loved their families.
Families, colleagues and friends of the trio gathered at the Wynberg Military Indoor Sports Complex in Cape Town on Wednesday in a combined memorial service.
Last week, Lieutenant-Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa and Warrant Officer Mokwapa Mojela were on board the SAS Manthatisi when they were swept away 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.
The teammates of the trio said they endeared them because of their hard work and dedication.
“We must just remember that life can be fleeting however, a life lived to the fullest stays in fond memories. These members, through their dedication and hard work, have endeared themselves to many of us,” the service heard.
“This incident, as sad as it is, has shown us how men and women of this country can rise up to the occasion and help each other in time of need. I would like to pass my gratitude to all the first responders who promptly responded to the distress without hesitation, ensuring that all members who were in the water were recovered and averted a potentially big catastrophe that could have happened”.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with the South African National Defence Force, have conveyed their condolences.
Heart-warming messages of condolence to the families also continue to pour in from ordinary South Africans.
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