Following one of the single biggest operational loss of lives in the SA Navy (SAN) since democracy, buildings used exclusively by the fleet’s submarine corps will be renamed in a final and lasting tribute to the three mariners who lost their lives a year ago.
The renamed Naval Base Simon’s Town buildings will pay tribute to SAS Manthatisi (S101) crew members Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Class One Mokwapa Lucas Mojela who died during an exercise off Kommetjie.
The Submarine Training School is now the Gillian Malouw Hector Building, with the Submarine Battery Hall renamed the Masela Mathipa Building. Lastly, what was the Submarine Squadron Headquarters, affectionately and widely known as the Orca Building, is now the Mokwapa Lucas Mojela Building.
Families of the slain submariners as well as members of the larger SAN attended the renaming ceremony, which was conducted by Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the SAN.
Along with honouring the three submariners, Lobese announced the names of six Manthatisi crew members who were put forward for bravery medals for their role in the rescue efforts that followed the mishap that occurred on September 20, 2023, during a VERTREP (vertical replenishment) exercise involving a SA Air Force (SAAF) 22 Squadron Super Lynx 300 maritime helicopter.
The ceremony also paid tribute to three SAN personnel who died when they attempted to rescue workers from a gas leak at Naval Base Durban in 2017.
“They tried to escape the pit but were overwhelmed by toxic gas and passed out. One contractor ran for assistance and approached a passing bus carrying MRS and other SAN members. Three SANDF members reacted unselfishly with the intention of saving the lives of their fellow countrymen but unfortunately succumbed to the high levels of fumes in the pit and died.”
They were Leading Seaman Amrithlall Ramdin (41), Able Seaman Francois Mundell (26) and SAN Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) operator Seaman Henro Ter Borg (21).
[source:defenceweb]
