Tragedy Strikes South African Navy as Three Personnel Lost in Submarine Accident

In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through South Africa, three South African Navy personnel lost their lives, and a senior officer remains in critical condition following an accident involving a submarine off the coast of Cape Town. The country’s Department of Defense confirmed the incident, which occurred during a supply transfer operation on Wednesday. As an Air Force Lynx helicopter attempted a “vertical transfer” of supplies to the SAS Manthatisi submarine, seven crew members were swept off the submarine’s deck by powerful waves.

The operation was swiftly called off, and an immediate rescue effort was initiated. Fortunately, all seven submariners were recovered, but tragically, three of them did not survive. Additionally, a crew member from the helicopter, dispatched as a “surface swimmer” to assist in the rescue operation, was also recovered and is currently receiving medical care alongside the four surviving submariners. The three victims were identified as Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela. Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector had made history as the first woman to navigate a military submarine for any African nation, according to multiple South African news outlets.

The National Sea Rescue Institute and other emergency services were called in to aid with the rescue efforts. The Department of Defense has announced an inquiry into the failed operation and the resulting tragic loss of life. This incident occurred amid extremely rough seas in Cape Town, attributed to a “spring tide” phenomenon. As South Africa mourns the loss of these brave personnel, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences and appreciation for the rescue and recovery efforts, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude for those who put their lives at risk to save others. In a poignant gesture, members of the public have been bringing flowers to the Navy Museum in Simon’s Town to honor the memory of the victims.

The SAS Manthatisi, one of South Africa’s three German-built Type 209/1400 Heroine-class submarines, had recently returned to the water after undergoing maintenance work. The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the upcoming three-day navy exhibition scheduled to begin on Saturday, marking South Africa’s Heritage Day national holiday.

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