The first woman in Africa to pilot a submarine, Lieutenant Commander Gillian Malouw Hector, is one of the three navy officers who died in the submarine disaster in Kommetjie on Wednesday afternoon.
A huge wave hit the SAS Manthatisi while goods were being unloaded by an army helicopter and transferred to the navy submarine. This resulted in 7 naval submariners being swept away off the deck of the vessel, resulting in a multi-agency rescue operation spanning several hours.
ALSO READ: Three dead in SA Navy submarine disaster
Dave Smith, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Kommetjie station commander, says his neighbour contacted him to raise the alarm after seeing the incident play out offshore of Slangkop Lighthouse.
Malouw Hector was extricated from the vessel hours after the first rescue operation began.
“One SA Navy officer remained onboard the naval vessel and in a coordinated operation, during the late afternoon, offshore of Hout Bay, an SA Air Force helicopter deployed NSRI ASR rescue swimmers and EMS rescue paramedics onboard where an adult female was extricated from the vessel and CPR efforts were commenced.”
“NSRI Hout Bay dispatched an NSRI rescue craft and crew to assist at the navy vessel. Sadly, despite extensive CPR efforts, the female officer was declared deceased.”
The two other victims have been identified as Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (Coxswain) and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (Coxswain under training).
The SA Navy confirmed an inquiry would be convened in due course. Ocean View police have opened an inquest docket.
The SANDF says military Chaplains and Social Workers are offering support to the families.
Since the tragedy, condolences have poured in for the deceased navy members.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep sadness, as Commander-in-Chief of South Africa’s Armed Forces.
“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.”
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobile Gamede, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese and Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the submariners who lost their lives.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis also extended the City’s condolences.
On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I extend my condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the SA Navy mariners who passed away as a result of the tragic incident off our coastline on Wednesday. We mourn their loss and pray that they will know our gratitude for their service to our country. Our thoughts are also with the survivors for a full recovery. May everyone impacted by this tragedy find peace and strength in this difficult time.
Mayor Hill-Lewis further thanked the City’s Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, Marine Unit, and all involved in coordinating the multi-agency sea rescue response, including the NSRI, MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority), SA National Defence Force, SA Air Force, SA Navy, Military medical personnel, Military Police, CMR (Cape Medical Response), WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and ambulance, SA Police Services, SAPS WPDS – Water Policing and Dive Services, and the Kommetjie Community Neighbourhood watch.
