Cape Town, South Africa - 27 September 2023: A memorial was held at the 2 Military Hospital complex in Wynberg, Cape Town for the 3 submariners who died last week during a submarine training exercise off the South African coast. Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector (32), Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa (48) and Warrant Officer Class One Mokwapa Mojela (43) perished when they were washed out to sea during a naval submarine exercise last week.

Gillian Hector joined the navy in 2010 and became the first woman in Africa to navigate a submarine. Combined the three deceased officers had more than 48 years naval experience.

The officers were swept out to sea during a transfer of supplies from a naval helicopter. The officers were swept from the deck by a wave and officers who tried to rescue them were then hit by a second wave. The navy said a board of inquiry will investigate the incident.