The South African Navy will gather on Sunday 20 September to mark the third anniversary of the tragic SAS ’Manthatisi incident, which claimed the lives of three submariners off the coast of Kommetjie on 20 September 2023.

The commemoration service is scheduled for Sunday 20 September at the Assegaai Submarine Museum in Simon’s Town.

Naval tragedy

The tragic naval accident occurred during a high-stakes vertical transfer exercise when Lieutenant-Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Warrant Officer (Class One) Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela and Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa died during a naval exercise in which a freak wave swept them off a submarine near Kommetjie on 20 September 2023.

In July last year, the Hawks (the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) confirmed that they were investigating the incident that cost the lives of the three submariners.

At that time, Hawks spokesperson Col Vukubi Siyabulela said the unit that investigates organised crime, financial crime and corruption has just started its investigation (“Hawks looking into submarine tragedy”, People’s Post, 29 July).

The SA Navy continues to honour the memory and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Class 1 Lucas Mojela.

In keeping their legacy alive, the Navy previously named buildings at the Submarine Squadron in their honour in 2024.

This was followed by last year’s unveiling of the Submarine Squadron Memorial Site at the museum as a permanent sanctuary for reflection.

Honouring commitment

This year’s ceremony aligns with Submarine Squadron Day, an annual observance recognising the professionalism and unwavering commitment of both past and present naval personnel.

This event will bring together grieving families, naval colleagues, and dignitaries to pay tribute to the fallen members while reflecting on the resilience of the close-knit submarine community.

The official programme is set to begin at 09:30 for 10:00 on King George Way.

It will feature a dignified wreath-laying ceremony alongside a keynote address delivered by the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese.

Members of the public and naval guests are reminded that the venue is situated near the NSRI Station in Simon’s Town.

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