The South African Navy held a wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony at the Assegaai Submarine Museum in Simon's Town to honour Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela, who died on September 20, 2023. The three submariners were swept to their deaths off Kommetjie during a vertical transfer exercise with a South African Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter.
Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese addressed families, naval personnel, and dignitaries during the ceremony, saying the remembrance was intended to honour the fallen submariners and preserve their legacy. He drew a distinction between a memorial and remembrance, saying remembrance was about healing and sustaining a shared sense of belonging following the loss.
The memorial site, unveiled a year ago, serves as a place where sailors, families, and members of the public can reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve at sea. Lobese said the Navy would continue to honour the legacy of the fallen submariners, who served with courage in their respective roles on board South African Ship SAS Manthatisi.
The Navy's board of inquiry into the deaths has been completed, and its findings have been shared with both the families and the Hawks. Lobese said the Navy is cooperating fully with the Hawks investigation and has provided them with the complete inquiry. He added that the Navy now awaits the Hawks' findings.
The Hawks investigation was previously confirmed after the Navy completed its own board of inquiry into the deaths. Lobese confirmed that SAS Manthatisi, which had remained alongside for maintenance and upkeep following the tragedy, has returned to sea and participated in Exercise Red Lion last month.
Lobese said the submarine is "technically sound and safe," with crew morale high. He added that the Navy wants its other submarines to return to operational service once maintenance and refits are completed but noted that resources, spare parts, and materials remain a challenge.
During the ceremony, the Last Post was sounded, and those gathered observed two minutes of silence, followed by Reveille in honour of the three submariners. Lobese called on serving members to continue the legacy of their fallen colleagues, saying, "Even though they may have gone, they are never forgotten. We will remember them."
Key points
- The South African Navy is awaiting the outcome of a Hawks investigation into the deaths of three submariners who died in 2023.
- The Navy's board of inquiry into the deaths has been completed, and its findings have been shared with both the families and the Hawks.
- SAS Manthatisi has returned to sea and is "technically sound and safe," with crew morale high.
