Earlier reports indicated the loss of two South African Navy personnel after they were swept off the deck of a submarine near the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie; however, it has now come to light that three submariners have lost their lives due to the impact of a ‘huge wave’ on the vessel.
As per News24, Western Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened concerning this naval incident.
Also read: Two mariners killed and others rescued in SA Navy submarine incident
According to Pojie, preliminary reports suggested that two individuals were washed out to sea after a wave struck during what appeared to be a routine exercise drill.
‘It is reported that some of the colleagues attempted to rescue the men,’ Pojie said.
Following the incident, an integrated search and rescue operation was swiftly initiated, involving the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), SAPS Search and Rescue and the South African Navy, supported by air assets.
Two bodies were recovered.
According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, late in the afternoon, another sailor was extracted from the naval vessel; however, this individual, an adult female, was declared deceased.
Lambinon confirmed that all the casualties were naval mariners. Among the seven adult males brought ashore, CPR was administered to two, but they were pronounced dead at the scene. Another male was airlifted by a Netcare 911 helicopter and is currently in critical condition.
Although it could not be confirmed whether navy divers were involved, Lambinon stated that all casualties were ‘naval mariners.’ Notably, four of those rescued did not appear to have suffered significant injuries and did not require hospitalisation.
Commander Ruwayda Grootboom, the South African Navy spokesperson, announced that the SA Navy would release a statement on this incident at an appropriate time.
This event unfolded against the backdrop of a severe storm surge that battered the Western Cape over the weekend, causing waves as high as 9.5 metres in certain coastal areas.
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