The crew was swept into the sea by “high waves” off the coast of Cape Town.
September 21, 2023, 9:17 am ET
• 4 min reading
LONDON – Three South African Navy personnel have been declared dead and a senior officer remains in critical condition following a fatal maritime incident off the coast of Cape Town, the South African Ministry of Defense announced.
The crew of the South African naval submarine SAS Manthatisi was carrying out a “vertical transfer” of supplies using a South African Air Force Lynx helicopter on Wednesday afternoon when “high waves” swept seven submarines from the submarine deck into the sea.
“It is with deep sadness that the SANDF announces the tragic loss of three South African Navy submarines off Kommetjie on September 20 on board the SAS MANTHATISI,” the South African Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
A rescue helicopter transports an injured South African Navy sailor following an incident with a South African Navy submarine during exercises off Kommetjie in Cape Town, South Africa, September 20, 2023. Nic Bothma/Portal
“A distress call was sent to Cape Town Radio, which then dispatched the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) from Kommetjie,” the South African Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “All seven members were recovered, but unfortunately there were three fatalities, with one senior official in a critical condition.”
The vertical operation was immediately aborted and rescue operations to recover the submarines were initiated.
“A surface swimmer was dispatched from the helicopter to assist in the rescue. “Unfortunately, the salvage operation was negatively impacted by rough seas,” the statement continued.
A South African Navy ship, a submarine and a helicopter are spotted near Hout Bay, following an incident with a South African Navy submarine during exercises off Kommetjie in Cape Town, South Africa, September 20, 2023. Portal
The South African Ministry of Defense has announced that the remaining crew members, including the surface swimmer sent to assist in the rescue operation, are being treated in hospital.
The crew of the SAS Manthatisi declared dead included Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector – South Africa’s first female submarine navigator with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
“An investigation into the circumstances of the incident will be launched in due course,” the South African Ministry of Defense announced.
South Africa’s southern and southeastern coast, known as the “spring flood,” has been hit by strong waves and strong winds, causing at least one death, dozens of injuries and widespread damage.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), waves as high as 9.5 meters were recorded over the weekend. Videos on social media showed waves destroying seaside buildings and carrying away vehicles.
A rescue boat is seen next to a South African Navy submarine after an incident during exercises off Kommetjie in Cape Town, South Africa, September 20, 2023. Portal
“This high overall water level combined with meteorological and marine conditions resulted in a severe positive storm surge,” the South African Meteorological Service said in a statement. “These conditions caused devastating damage to the South African coast last weekend.”
The SAS Manthisi is one of three German-built Type 209/1400 Heroine-class submarines in the South African naval fleet. It was reported to be on its way to Cape Town for a three-day naval exhibition – the SA Navy Festival – which saw active South African Navy ships dock at the famous V&A Waterfront.
“The Minister for Defense and Military Veterans, the Deputy Minister for Defense and Military Veterans, the Chief of the SANDF, the Chief of the South African Navy and Flag Officer Fleet extend their sincere condolences to the families of the members who tragically lost their lives.”