Three years after Manthatisi tragedy, Navy awaits Hawks findings as submarine returns to sea

Three years after the SAS Manthatisi tragedy claimed the lives of three South African Navy submariners off Kommetjie, the Navy has handed its full board of inquiry to the Hawks for investigation, awaiting the outcome. On the third anniversary of the incident, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Assegaai Submarine Museum in Simon's Town to honor Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Mojela, who perished during a vertical transfer exercise with a South African Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter.

Lobese emphasized the importance of remembrance as a means of healing and sustaining a sense of belonging, distinguishing it from mere memorialization. The Navy's board of inquiry concluded and its findings were shared with the families and Hawks; the Navy stated full cooperation with the Hawks' investigation, providing complete access to all inquiry volumes.

SAS Manthatisi, which had remained in port for maintenance, has since returned to sea and conducted an exercise, remaining technically sound and safe. Following the ceremony, Lobese called on serving sailors to uphold the legacy of the fallen submariners.