By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A combined public memorial service for the three mariners who died off the coast of Kommetjie last week, took place at the Wynberg Military Indoor Sport Centre on Wednesday.
The deceased, Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector (Executive Officer), Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (Coxswain) and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (Coxswain under training) were swept out to see while standing on the deck of the SA Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi.
The crew was using the SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter to conduct a vertical transfer as they travelled to Cape Town. The VERTREP evolution was abruptly abandoned, according to the SANDF, and rescue operations were started.
The trio were among seven members who were recovered from the waters during the incident, which left one senior officer in a critical condition.
The SA Navy Band played Amazing Grace, with visibly emotional family members.
Heart-warming tributes from the squadron commander and family of the deceased mariners then followed as hundreds of mourners listened intently.
The teammates of the trio said they endeared them because of their hard work and dedication.
“We must just remember that life can be fleeting however, a life lived to the fullest stays in fond memories. These members, through their dedication and hard work, have endeared themselves to many of us,” the service heard.
“This incident, as sad as it is, has shown us how men and women of this country can rise up to the occasion and help each other in time of need. I would like to pass my gratitude to all the first responders who promptly responded to the distress without hesitation, ensuring that all members who were in the water were recovered and averted a potentially big catastrophe that could have happened”.
Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese said the three main sections of the Simons Town Navy Base would be renamed in honour of the sailors.
This was met with loud applause and a standing ovation by all in attendance.
- The Submarine Training Centre will be renamed the Gillian Hector Training Centre;
- The Submarine Squadron Building, called the Orca Building, will be renamed the Mmokwapa Mojela building; and
- The Submarine Battery Workshop will be renamed the William Mathipa Workshop.
Lobese broke down when he described how much the SA Navy would miss the mariners.
“They were always ready to offer assistance. The country, as a whole, has been robbed of true patriots. My last words to them were to wish them farewell as they prepared to go to the navy festival at the Waterfront,” Lobese said.
As he recalled the moments leading up to the fateful incident, Lobese called to the podium all the remaining crew members who were aboard the submarine.
One had a limp, the result of an injury he sustained after he was swept into the sea.
“These men standing here before us displayed [bravery] in trying to save those that went overboard. When I heard of the tragic incident, I tried to get a flight back to Cape Town as soon as possible, but I unfortunately could not secure a flight,” said Lobese.
Hector joined the navy in 2010 and qualified as a submariner in 2018.
She was the first woman on the continent to navigate a submarine. She leaves behind her husband and son.
Mathipa, 48, joined in 1997 and qualified as a submariner in 1998.
He leaves behind his wife and two daughters.
Mojela, 43, joined the navy in 1999 and qualified as a submariner in 2007.
He leaves behind his wife and two children.
An inquiry to establish the circumstances that led to the incident is set to commence from 11 October to 10 November this year.
SANDF said it had taken note of all enquiries and questions regarding the incident.
However, it requested the media to allow the families, the SANDF, and the public time and space to mourn and honour the lives of the fallen sailors.