SA Navy honours three naval officers who died during a vertical transfer exercise off the coast of Kommetjie

CAPE TOWN - The South African Navy has commemorated the three naval officers who tragically lost their lives during a vertical transfer exercise off the coast of Kommetjie. 

Saturday marks two years since the deaths of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant officer William Mathipa, and Warrant officer class 1 Lucas Mojela.

In their honour, a memorial site has been unveiled at the Sas Assegaai Submarine Museum in Simon’s Town.

Acting senior staff officer in naval public relations, commander Theo Mabina, said that the navy will continue to honour the fallen.

"It was that memorial sign with a plaque where the names of all the submariners that have lost their lives in service or busy with service, their names are inscribed in that memorial site as well. And as well as a wreath-laying ceremony.”