On Wednesday, September 20, three members of the South African Navy lost their lives, and one officer remains in critical condition after a high wave swept them and three others off the SAS Manthatisi submarine near the town of Kommetjie, close to Cape Town.

The incident occurred during a supply transfer operation. The South African Department of Defense noted that an Air Force Lynx helicopter was actively delivering supplies to the submarine at the time. This was when the wave disrupted the operation, leading to the unfortunate event.

Seven crew members were subsequently rescued from the water. Three of these crew members, however, did not survive their injuries and were declared deceased at the hospital. The remaining crew members received medical care as needed.

The identities of the fallen crew members were released by the Department of Defense. They are Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela. Currently, there’s an active official investigation probing the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Expressions of condolences have been extended by officials including Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, acting Secretary of Defense Thobekile Gamede. Additionally, Cyril Xaba, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defense and Military Veterans, recognized the incident, commending the collaborative rescue efforts of various agencies. The committee also hopes for the rapid recovery of the injured Navy personnel.