A tragic incident unfolded when the South African Navy attempted a vertical transfer (VERTREP) exercise in turbulent weather conditions. Seven crewmembers were swept into the sea by high waves, resulting in the loss of three marines. Four others were rescued and are currently receiving medical care, along with a rescue diver.
The South African Department of Defence (DoD) confirmed that this incident involving the navy’s submarine, SAS Manthatisi, occurred off the coast of Kommetjie in the Western Cape region on the afternoon of September 20. The submarine was en route from Simon’s Town to Table Bay for the Navy Festival, and a VERTREP resupply exercise using an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter had been scheduled.
Tragedy struck when the rough seas led to the seven crewmembers being swept overboard, prompting an immediate cancellation of the VERTREP mission and the initiation of a rescue operation. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) received reports of the incident at approximately 1500. Shortly thereafter, South African naval vessels in the vicinity of Kommetjie issued a MOB (Man Overboard) alert, prompting responses from other NSRI stations along the Western Cape and several EMS providers in Cape Town.
The DoD issued a statement, indicating that the VERTREP operation was swiftly halted, and efforts to recover the crewmembers were initiated. Despite the challenging sea conditions, a surface swimmer was dispatched from a helicopter to assist with the rescue.
Two NSRI Kommetjie rescue vessels, the Spirit of the Vines and IL Batello, arrived at the scene, which was approximately one nautical mile off-shore from Slangkop Lighthouse. These vessels played a crucial role in recovering the bodies of the three marines who lost their lives and rescuing the four injured crewmembers.
Despite a weather alert issued by the South African Weather Service, warning of stormy seas in the Western Cape region and dangerous waves near Cape Town, Cape Agulhas, and Hermanus, the South African Navy proceeded with the transfer of cargo between ships using helicopters.
The submarine involved in the incident is one of three in the South African Heroine-class. It was constructed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and Thyssen Nordseewerke in Germany, measuring just over 200 feet in length and reportedly housing a crew of 30. Commissioned in 2005, the submarine was set to participate in the SA Navy Festival scheduled for Cape Town from September 23 to 25.
Both the South African Navy and maritime authorities have launched investigations into this tragic incident to determine its causes and the surrounding circumstances.
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