Another mariner dies after submarine accident in Kommetjie

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed that the number of South African Navy mariners who died in yesterday’s submarine accident in Kommetjie has increased to three.

The NSRI was notified of mariners experiencing difficulty offshore at Sandkop Lighthouse.

Upon arrival, the team rescued seven men from the water and began immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation efforts on two of them.

The victims were reportedly washed off the deck of a submarine. They were both declared dead soon after.

One of the survivors was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition, while four sustained minimal injuries.

According to the NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, a female officer was later extricated from a navy vessel but died after extensive CPR efforts.

"Information is still coming forward. It was a very difficult incident that happened today.

"NSRI Kommetjie, NSRI Hout Bay, NSRI Table Bay, and NSRI Simon’s Town were activated at 2.47pm following reports that naval mariners were having difficulty offshore at Sandkop Lighthouse, Kommetjie," he said.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla