SA Navy’s Investigation into Fatal Training Incident Yet to Reach Conclusion

The South African Navy (SAN) is currently in the process of concluding its investigation into a tragic incident that occurred during a training exercise involving the SAS Manthatisi submarine and a maritime helicopter. The incident, which took place in September, resulted in the untimely deaths of three SAN personnel.

SAS Manthatisi was en route from its home port in Simon’s Town to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town for a naval festival when the training exercise went awry. The exercise involved a VertRep drill from a Super Lynx 300 helicopter operated by 22 Squadron from Air Force Base Ysterplaat, amidst challenging sea conditions that required intervention from the National Sea Rescue Institute.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, who served as the Executive Officer on the Manthatisi, as well as Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Mojela.

While a board of inquiry (BOI) was established to investigate the incident, the process has been prolonged, with the inquiry report being submitted to Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, the Chief of the South African Navy, for review on 7th December. Vice Admiral Lobese is currently overseeing the review process to ensure compliance with the terms of reference set by the convening authority.

Commander Theo Mabina, Acting Senior Staff Officer of SAN Public Relations, highlighted that internal processes related to the extensive investigation are still ongoing. Once the review and compliance checks are completed, the findings will be shared with the Chief of the South African National Defence Force and ultimately with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.