APA-Pretoria (South Africa) President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the loss of three crew members of the South African Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi who perished at sea off Kommetjie near Cape Town on Wednesday.
The deceased were among seven navy officers who were swept away during an exercise near the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie.
“This is a sad loss for our nation and for our brave armed forces in particular who routinely face danger in order so that all of us can be safe and secure,” Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday.
He wished the injured navy officers a speedy recovery “from the physical and psychological trauma they experienced during this tragedy.”
“We also appreciate the efforts of all role players who, at great risk to themselves, undertook the rescue and recovery operation.”
The submarine was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical transfer exercise by means of a South African Air Force helicopter when high waves swept seven crew members out to sea.
Rough seas affected the rescue and recovery operation in which the National Sea Rescue Institute assisted.
JN/APA