Board of inquiry wraps up investigation into SAS Manthatisi tragedy
From left to right, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Commander Charles Phokane and the late Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector. Picture: Supplied/SA Navy
CAPE TOWN - A board of inquiry probing the deadly 2023 incident involving a South African Navy submarine off the Cape coast has wrapped up its investigation.
Three sailors were killed and a senior officer critically injured when they were washed off the deck of the submarine SAS Manthatisi.
READ: SAS Manthatisi tragedy: Widower of deceased SA Navy commander wants answers
At the time, the defence department said the crew conducting a vertical transfer (VERTREP) exercise with a South African Air Force Lynx helicopter off Kommetjie was swept off the deck by high waves.
The submarine was on its way to Simons Town in Cape Town to take part in a mini navy festival. An inquiry was launched to determine the cause of the tragic incident. SA Navy spokesperson, Theo Mabina, said the report had now been handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.
"This meeting and engagement with the Hawks underscores the Navy's commitment to transparency, cooperation and accountability, as the chief of the SA Navy has always maintained that the organisation will, within the confines of the laws and regulations, communicate the outcomes of the board whenever the need arises."
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