The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Cyril Xaba, has expressed his deep sadness by the news of the passing of the three South African Navy Personnel in an incident that took place at Kommetjie near Cape Town.
According to Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans media officer, Jabulani Majozi, the incident reportedly involved about seven SA Navy divers who seemed to be in distress and experiencing difficulty after being washed off the deck of a submarine at Slangkop Lighthouse off Kommetjie.
“The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans commends the joint rescue efforts of the South African Police Services (SAPS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the SA Navy and Air Force for their joint efforts in the rescue operation. The committee sent its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased Navy Officers,” Majozi said.
In a statement, the SANDF identified the officers as Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector (née Malouw) (executive officer), Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (coxswain) and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (coxswain in training).
Hector grew up in Schauderville, and was the first female officer in Africa to navigate a submarine.
In a statement, Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality Executive Mayor Gary
van Niekerk said, “We received the news
that Lieutenant Commander Gillian Malouw, a young mother with so much still to
offer, was sadly killed on Wednesday during rough seas at Kommetjie in Cape
Town. She was a worthy
ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Gqeberha in particular by
working hard to achieve her career goals.
I had the privilege of
meeting this prodigious young lady a few months ago during the World
Hydrography Celebrations held in Gqeberha in June. To demonstrate the
tenacity and conviction of this amazing soul, a direct quote during an
interview, by her, captures her beautifully: ‘The world is filled with naysayers and negativity, but no-one can take away what you’ve learnt, and no-one can take away your dreams.”If you truly want something, do everything in your power to make it happen.’”
The Department of Defence said the SA Navy submarine SAS MANTHATISI was en-route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical transfer (VERTREP) by means of an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter on the afternoon September, 20.
At or about 14h30, off Kommetjie, high waves allegedly swept seven (7) crew members out to sea. The VERTREP evolution was immediately cancelled and efforts were launched to recover the members. A surface swimmer was dispatched from the helicopter to assist with the rescue.
Unfortunately, the recovery operation was negatively affected by rough sea conditions. A distress call was made to Cape Town Radio who then dispatched the NSRI from Kommetjie. All seven (7) members were recovered but sadly there were three (3) fatalities with one (1) senior officer in critical condition. The remaining members, including the surface swimmer, are currently being treated in hospital.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “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.”
