Remembering the South African Navy Frigate, SAS President Kruger. The event of 18th February, 1982.

The SAS President Kruger was a frigate of the South African Navy. She sank in 1982 with the loss of 16 lives after colliding with her replenishment ship, the SAS Tafelberg, in the South Atlantic.
SAS President Kruger was one of three President-class type 12 frigates obtained by the South African Navy in the 1960s following the Simonstown Agreement with the Royal Navy. She was christened upon launch by the wife of Admiral Hugo Biermann; her home port was Simonstown, near Cape Town.
On 5 August 1969, she was recommissioned after an extensive refit and modernization.
She participated in various operations during the South African Border War, including the Ambrizete Incident.
The aging President Class frigates were earmarked for disposal in 1978, with newer D'Estienne d'Orves class vessels scheduled to replace them. However the imposition of United Nations Security Council Resolution 418 put an end to both the sale of the replacement corvettes, as well as any refurbishment of the President Class frigates.
On 18 February 1982, while under the command of Captain de Lange, the President Kruger was conducting complex exercises with the submarine SAS Emily Hobhouse, another frigate, the SAS President Pretorius and the replenishment ship SAS Tafelberg. The high-intensity exercises progressed from 6 am to 11 pm over several days, with different candidate submarine captains being given an opportunity of executing a mock attack against the Tafelberg. From 11 pm until 6 am, the ships followed a narrow zip-zag course that allowed the submarine repeated opportunities to engage the surface ships in lower-intensity exercises while the bulk of the crew rested.
The frigates too were using the opportunity to carry out anti-submarine exercises, with each ship given a patrol sector ahead of the Tafelberg. The escorts were expected to patrol their areas in a random fashion, between 2,000 feet (610 m) and 5,000 feet (1,500 m) from Tafelberg. The President Kruger's station was on Tafelberg's port side between 10 and 330 degrees. The President Steyn had a reciprocal box on the starboard side.
At approximately 4 am, the whole formation had to change direction by 154 degrees, a near complete reversal in direction. The frigates had to change direction first to maintain their protective positions ahead of Tafelberg on the new heading. President Kruger's options were to turn 200 degrees to port, or 154 degrees to starboard. While the latter turn was smaller and tactically sound, it was more dangerous as it involved turning towards the other two ships. Critically, the officer of the watch (OOW) elected to turn to starboard, and initiated a 10 degree turn. A 10 degree turn had a larger radius and would take longer to execute than a 15 degree turn, thereby allowing Tafelberg more time to close on the ship turning in front of her. Partway through the turn, the operations room lost radar contact with the Tafelberg in the clutter. At that point, an argument ensued between the OOW and the Principal Warfare Officer over the degree of wheel to apply. The OOW was unable to recover the situation, and the bows of the Tafelberg impacted the President Kruger on her port side at the senior ratings' mess. The President Kruger sank 78 nautical miles (144 km) south west of Cape Point with the loss of sixteen lives.
A Westland Wasp helicopter, operated by 22 Squadron SAAF from the other frigate, rescued crew members from the water.
A naval board of inquiry was commissioned, leading to a finding of a lack of seamanship by the captain and officers of the ship. The Minister of Justice introduced a retrospective change in law to allow him to hold an inquest into the death of one of the seamen. The inquest aportioned blame on the captain and PWO. However none of the officers was court-martialled.
As a result of an international arms embargo against apartheid South Africa, the ship could not be replaced, and was therefore a great loss to the capability and morale of the navy for many years afterwards.
The Navy's prestigious 'Cock of the Fleet' trophy, which had been won by her ship's crew in the annual rowing regatta, was lost with the ship.
The offiical SAS Presient Kruger website @ www.saspresidentkruger.com/
Blogs:
www.scenicsouth.co.za/2012/01/...

[@p.k.families8316]

32 years along time ago! Our Dad Michael Whiteley was tragically taken from us at the age of 38. The years go by but we will NEVER forget that day and the weeks that followed. My only comfort is perhaps knowing Dad is at rest with some of his colleagues who too lost their lives on that tragic day. As you can imagine watching this clip brings back lots of painful memories and brings up new questions and things that I never knew. Thank you all for remembering this tragic day and may all the families and crew effected by this day find comfort in knowing others continue to remember.

[@danielbtwd]

Yes us also , we never forget. My sister was only 1 month old when her father was killed in this accident. Tragic.

[@waynewhiteley3066]

Bought me to tears, very proud of my grandfather. Wish I met him and that he could see his great grand daughter.

[@fordanglia1000]

I also served in the Navy, it was a terrible incident . May God bless those who went down with their ship, may God keep them,and may God's light shine upon all those who served on this ship, their families and on those who will never forget this tragedy at sea.

[@kieronreddy8837]

Thank you for posting this. My father served on the Tafelberg in the early 80's when he began his naval career and is still in active duty to this day. He told me about these events when I was a boy. My thoughts still go out those who lost loved one's on this day in 1982

[@peterlaffey244]

I also served on the SAS President Pretorius...i can't stop the tears after watching the video...i was a stoker on the PP...just came off watch...pass 4 in the morning...

[@juannewhyte7416]

My father Andrew Whyte, A SA Hero and My Hero.

[@LegacyConversations]

I am glad I was told to come and listen here. Saddened.

[@davidblyth5495]

We shall have a PK memorial service on the anniversary - 18 Feb 2022 in Pretoria

[@veronreddy241]

Years later I joined the navy and did my basics at SAS Jalsena. 4 of my instructors were gunners on board the Kruger.

[@Luv2Live365]

Lest we forget. Roy McMaster and Mike Whiteley, both lived in 7th Avenue Da Gama Park at some time, same avenue that I grew up in. My thoughts are with all the families that are affected by this tradgedy, especially the Whiteley and the McMaster families. Till we meet again.

[@daverobbins8602]

PO Chris Roodt played for our cricket side, and about a month after the sinking he came to one of our games at Simonstown. He showed us his left leg, which had a junk out of it, and this is what is referred to in the video. He also told us about the 2 brave National Service men who had helped him out of mess 12, and how they had to battle because he was stark naked and covered in oil, which meant they had no item of clothing to grab hold of. He was terribly affected by it all, and who can blame him. Not a pleasant story to hear, but it is important that we don't forget those who lost their lives.

[@davidblyth5495]

Mess 12 is below the main alleyway and was under water lever - a difficult escape.

[@jonboyd5694]

I remember this tradgic morning well. I was in std 6 at simonstown high. I remember seeing the rescue shackeltons and super freelons flying out south. When i got to school everybody was talking about it. Allison whitely was in our class. That day there was no school work. We just watched the protea and mine hunters go out to sea. That evening was my mothers 40th birthday. From our house in murdoch valley our extended family watched the pp and tafelberg returning to base. This is a day i will never forget.

[@brucemorgan4503]

Brings back such sad memories; I was a TAS rate on board the PK from December '73 until June '74 - flagship of the fleet - she was a beautiful ship and proud to have served on her.

[@AfriHound]

Thanks, Annie. I'm very glad you enjoyed this video, as it has a special meaning to me. I was intimately involved with the happenings of that morning, because my brother was on this ship. I will never forget this day as long as I live.

[@peterlaffey244]

PJ Napoli...yo yo...it's i.. PJ Laffey...how the &%#$ are you?...pardon the french...yasis...

[@johanschreuder5006]

For me this sinking has a strange connection. The two officers that had the argument was our officer in the Naval cadet corps and when I when for basic training in the navy, the tactical officer was my divisional commander.

[@peteredwards9873]

I served on PK at that time. Struggled to get leave but eventually got replacement. My daughter was born 23rd Feb and ship sank 18th. So very thankful I was saved as I had permission to sleep in radio room just where PK was hit.

[@quentingrey1226]

I was on duty that night serving on the Umgenie .As a CF member at that time one of the Navors boats that was still in dry dock waiting to be painted Naval colors from blue and white .Our Captain Smith wanted to go and help in the rescue but could not A few of us where posted on guard duty on the Quay that night and saw the President Pretouries and the Tafelberg coming in and docking at the Quay. I saw the survivors coming off and looked really strange. The Tafelberg looked like some on took a hack saw blade and cut the front of the ship open. Always remember that night forever

[@petes9524]

Served on her in the sixties, AB1,Quartermaster/Diver. She was a proud ship with a proud ship's company.

[@Patdune]

This would make a great movie showing bravery seamanship, and the dangers of a ship sinking, how constant training helped many more men not lose their lives also would honor the guys that lost their lives

[@TheMadManPlace]

Respect. And as far as I know, the new SANDF navy is not even holding ANY SORT of memorial service today, the 42nd anniversary of a great tragedy. SHAME ON THE NEW SANDF NAVY.

[@reovanschalkwyk1335]

Was tussen 1973 en 1975 as radar operateur op PK. Het diens gedoen as scullery hand. Was meer as n jaar ook Posman. Die lekkerste tyd van my Jong lewe. Sal dit nooit verger nie.

[@davidblyth5495]

Jy was seker van die RO'e gewees vir wie ek As bmn (RA) die uitrusting in die ops kamer herstel het. Besige jare. Onthou vir PRI Panga Coetzer and bmn Tiny Steyn

[@geoffhalstead1811]

Just seen this tribute! Brought tears as I served on her in the '60s

[@peternapoli4162]

I was lucky enough to spend 3 months on the border with Mike Whitely .. and i was onboard that night as well .. When we finally left the Wireless Office, i noticed Mikes life-jacket still hanging on one of the overhead pipes. .. I took it with and gave it to some guy who didnt have a lifejacket. .. Even at the end, Mike still helped somebody. .. Still miss him.

[@peterlaffey244]

Hullo PJ Napoli...it's i...PJ Laffey...yasis man...greetings...and best wishes to U...and everyone that know i...

[@paultappan9055]

I was the very last person to perform quarter master duties on Mama Tafies. At the time she was already stripped and was being sold for scrap. I Signed the quarter master log, walked of the ship and soon after it was towed away. I am not exactly sure of the date but It was between September 1993 to June 1994. Sad to see such a big ship meet its demise in that way. My mustering was as an ERATT on the SAS Fleur.

[@r4palestine]

My father was on this ship, He saved 6 men on this ship and till today got no recognition for it because this happened in apartheid time and his was coloured. A book will soon be published about my father on his bravery when this ship sank.

[@hectic1969]

Hey Robin. Who was your dad and how could I get hold of a copy of that book. Should be good. Did your dad stay on in the navy or did he leave soon after that? Many greetings

[@peternapoli4162]

Please thank your Dad for me .. 31 years late .. but better late than never, nu? .. Too right, mate .. your Dad is a hero.

[@juannewhyte7416]

Hi Peter I will forward my dad this KZbin link so he himself can chat to all...

[@AfriHound]

I am your Aunt Liz, your gorgeous father's sister. Our lives have been such that we have never met. Next time your dad Skypes me, when he gets back from this stint in Malaysia, you should be there. (*_*) He is indeed a Hero. I can tell you many stories about your father. Such as the time he climbed the flag pole - the time he got stung by a bee while he was riding his bike and the idiots at the military hospital nearly killed him. I could regale you all day long....

[@kareladriaanludeke3475]

I was there

[@Mafuta147]

Aan my ontslaape vriend en mede seeman Rus in vrede.

[@Patdune]

served on the Kruger was a really sad day when I heard the PK had sunk knowing there were guys I new and had served with

[@juliehaward7270]

Good family friend John Eva served on the PK the night she went down! Didn’t like talking about it! My dad was on the Protea in those days. Tragic accident. Lt that was on watch used to be an officer for us sea cadets at lakeside!

[@TheSilmarallion]

Afrihound would you discuss the Captain of the Tafelberg who was accused of collision initially and negligence on his part for not altering course? There were men onboard both vessels whom my dad knew one from Military academy a close friend one personally also a close friend and retired a commadore. I remember the daughter of the Tafelberg commander being victimised at school blaming her dad a murderer. This was the first real accident in SA history and sadly so but it teaches us in future to not make the same mistake. I do grieve for all the parents husbands and loved ones lost...

[@kgb2905]

Where do the person Weideman fit in?

[@juliehaward7270]

The president classes. PP, PK m PS. For those non South Africans. Presidents... Pretorious, Kruger and Steyn. One activel, one sunk and one junk during the’80’s

[@AfriHound]

Hi there, Karel, Would you like to tell us your story? I would love to hear it. (*_*)

[@pjenslin1]

Was the wreck ever found?

[@AfriHound]

Not that I am aware of.

[@diasquiltersnewsletter8701]

it's 3kms down...

[@Mafuta147]

Evert Koen

[@peternapoli4162]

Afrihound WOOF .. and anybody else interested .. there is a FaceBook page .. SAS President Kruger survivors and those interested .. its an open group. Please feel free to join.

[@peterlaffey244]

Hey PJ...it's PJ....HOWZIT man...LAFFEY....

[@scottgenius9189]

SINKER SMITH !!

[@southafricandominion]

Did Andrew Whyte stay in the SAN?

[@AfriHound]

southafricandominion He was PF. He left the SA Navy some years later.

[@southafricandominion]

thanks

[@michaelnarramore3415]

you couldnt make it up!now the navy cant even sink there own subs or crew incapeable of it! as the builders said UNTRAINABLE!BUT FREE?EX SA NAVY!