By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The death toll on a South African submarine off the coast of Cape Town has risen to three, on Wednesday, after a “huge wave” hit a submarine in Kommetjie in Cape Town.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and a range of other emergency medical personnel rushed to Kommetjie after reports of naval mariners having difficulty in the water.
It is unclear which naval vessel – believed to be a submarine – the individuals were working on or whether this was just a naval exercise that went completely wrong.
Craig Lambinon, a spokesman for the National Sea Rescue Institute, said a rescue operation was ongoing off the coastal town of Kommetjie, on the Cape peninsula south of the port city.
Two mariners were initially confirmed dead initially but a third later died.
“One is in critical condition, and four are okay. There is still an operation under way at present to get another person out of a naval vessel at this stage,” Lambinon said.
He could not state what the cause of the accident was, but he said it would form part of an investigation.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said an inquest docket was opened after the “naval incident”.
Pojie said that preliminary reports suggest that two men were washed out to sea after the wave hit during what appeared to be an exercise.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance conveyed its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the marines who tragically lost their lives on board the South African submarine.
“The Democratic Alliance joins the South African Navy and the entire defence community in expressing our sincere sympathies during this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the families of the marines. We wish the injured mariners a speedy recovery As we mourn the passing, let us also recommit ourselves to ensuring the safety and well-being of all those who serve in our defence forces. We owe it to them to continuously strive for an optimally resourced defence force and the highest standards of safety and security to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future”.
The Cape Peninsula is home to South Africa’s largest naval base, Simon’s Town.
The South African navy is to hold a series of parades and military exercises in Cape Town from Saturday to Monday, with the public invited to board ships and a submarine.