SA Navy to Investigate Submarine Accident off Kommetjie Coast: Emphasis on Strict Adherence to Safety Measures

On the evening of Thursday, 21 September, following a tragic accident involving the South African (SA) Navy submarine SAS ’Manthatisi, SA Navy Flag Officer Fleet Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde asserted that all safety precautions were taken, and the vessel was certified to go out to sea.

The naval accident took place off Kommetjie in Cape Town, during which seven crew members were inadvertently swept into the sea by high waves, resulting in the deaths of three crew members, while the others were successfully rescued.

Nkomonde stressed that the crew and the captain were extensively trained, and no Navy vessel, submarine or surface, would leave the harbour without a crew that is trained or worked-up. The accident's news was broken to the public in a press conference held at Simon’s Town Naval Base. The submarine was en-route to Table Bay from Simon’s Town for the SA Navy Festival at the V&A Waterfront, which has now been cancelled.

In an ill-fated exercise involving the SAS ’Manthatisi and an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter, crew members were performing a vertical transfer when high waves led to the disaster. Despite all safety measures, including life jackets and harnesses, the crew could not prevent this unfortunate incident.

Questions were raised about conducting such an operation amid high waves and strong winds prevalent in recent times. However, Nkomonde refrained from speculating whether the mission should have proceeded but emphasised that an inquiry would establish what happened and prevent future recurrences.

Following this incident, condolences were poured in by the President, the parliamentary portfolio committee on defence and military veterans, and Cape Town Mayor Geordin-Hill Lewis for the deceased, appreciating their service to the country.