SANDF releases names of submariners who died in Kommetjie

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names of the officers who died on Wednesday in an incident involving a navy vessel off Kommetjie, close to Cape Town.

The submariners were identified by the SANDF as Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, Warrant Officer Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela, and Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector.

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How did the mariners die?

A strong wave pushed seven crew members into the water, killing the three submariners.

The SA Navy submarine was conducting a vertical replenishment submarine using an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter when the incident happened, according to the SANDF. The submarine was travelling to Cape Town at the time.

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“A distress call was made to Cape Town Radio, who were then dispatched to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) from Kommetjie.

“All seven members were recovered, but sadly, there were three fatalities, with one senior official in critical condition,” the SANDF said.

The remaining team members, including the surface swimmer, are currently receiving medical care in a hospital.

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An inquiry to investigate the incident’s circumstances will be held in due course.

SANDF message to deceased families

The Chief of the SANDF, Chief of the SA Navy, Flag Officer Fleet, and the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and her deputy have since expressed their profound sympathies to the deceased’s family.

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“The SANDF further extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the emergency services who assisted in the recovery of the stricken submarines.”

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