APA-Cape Town (South Africa) Three South African marines died on Wednesday after being washed off a submarine by high waves during a naval exercise near Cape Town, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said the deceased were among seven marines who swept away during a navy exercise near the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie near Cape Town.
“All seven members were recovered but sadly there were three fatalities with one senior officer in a critical condition,” the ministry said.
It said the submarine was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical transfer exercise.
The drill was complicated by rough sea conditions and a high wave hit the vessel, sweeping seven crew members out to sea.
The exercise was cancelled after the incident, according to the ministry.
The South African Weather Service had warned of “damaging waves” in Cape Town on Wednesday.
NM/jn/APA