THREE navy mariners, two men and a woman, have died after a submarine they were operating failed at Sandkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie, Cape Town.
The officers were reportedly busy with drills before the Navy Festival, set to take place from 23 to 25 September at V&A Waterfront.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesman Craig Lambinon said their emergency teams were activated at 2.47pm.
He said NSRI Kommetjie, NSRI Hout Bay, NSRI Table Bay, and NSRI Simon’s Town responded after they heard about naval mariners having difficulties at the Sandkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie.
“On arrival at the scene, seven divers were rescued from the water. Sadly, two are deceased, one has been transported to hospital in a serious condition and it appears at this stage that that four are safe with minimal injuries. There is a rescue in process to recover one navy diver from a navy vessel offshore of Sandkop Lighthouse,” said Lambinon.
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Lambinon said four male divers who were rescued did not need medical treatment. He said among the rescue teams that worked to rescue the naval mariners include the South African Airforce 22 Squadron, the City of Cape Town’s Water Rescue Network, Western Cape Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Cape Medical Response, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, among others.
Department of Defence spokesman Brigadier-General Andries Mokoena Mahapa said they're still gathering information and will release a statement about the incident.
DA's shadow minister of defence Kobus Marias conveyed condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased navy mariners.
“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,” said Marias.
