The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) says the latest naval tragedy has shone the spotlight on the challenging and life-threatening situations mariners face while protecting the country and its people. On Wednesday, 3 naval officers died after being swept away from their submarine in choppy waters off the Kommetjie coastline. 4 Others were injured. SANDU’s Pikkie Greeff explained what transpired:

“Three of the mariners on board of the submarine were washed overboard, and drowned, while four others were injured. That was followed by a rescue operation involving 22 squadrons of the SA Air Force, as well as several civilian rescue institutions,” says Greeff.

The SA National Defence Force Media Statement Follow Up || 21 September 2023 || SA Navy Submarine SAS MANTHATISI incident off Kommetjie 20 September 2023.

Media Statement by SA National Defence Force || SA Navy. #SANDF #DCCMediaLiaison #SANavy #RIPSASoldiers pic.twitter.com/WgEjPp6YJx

— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) September 21, 2023

READ MORE: Three dead in SA Navy submarine disaster

Ocean View Police detectives have opened an inquest following the incident.

“The cause into this incident is not known yet and obviously the Department of Defence will have to conduct a board of inquiry into this tragedy. This is all we know at this stage,” says Greeff.

Greeff adds that this highlights the bravery of those working for the South African Navy and the South African National Defence Force.

“As a union, we think this incident should highlight to the public the great risk at which our soldiers and sailors place themselves in doing their jobs, and what risks are inherently involved in being in the military, and serving one’s country. That should make one more appreciative of the service that these men and women are giving to their country,” concludes Greeff.

READ MORE: Kommetjie disaster: Condolences for Navy members stream in