SA Navy Tragedy: How did a training exercise result in the death of three crew members?

According to a statement from the SA Navy, seven crew members of the submarine SAS MANTHATISI were swept out to sea by high waves off Kommetjie near Cape Town.
The NSRI confirmed that four of the seven were rescued but unfortunately, the remaining three did not survive.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Defence Analyst, Dean Wingrin about the safety procedures that should've been followed during a routine exercise.
This interview originally aired on 21 September 2023.
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[@dcollop3543]

I had the privilege of working with 2 of the Submariners who lost their lives. They dedicated their lives to thw Submarines Corpse and paid the ultimate price. They kind and gentle people. Farthers, sons, brothers. RIP Mathipa, Mojela and the XO. 😢

[@mrb2643]

So are there no life lines harness when on top?

[@camischar3692]

This happens when BBBEE is the qualification you need to get a job. This country is almost at zim 2.0 level . An blacks dont realise that whites are celebrating there downfall . Instead of giving the country to DA an making it fair for all. They rather keep coting for corrupt black politicians. Well good luck with that lol.

[@MysticRose24]

@dcollop3543 all 3 were so committed & dedicated to the sm service. Everyone speaks so highly of them. So sad these comment have been overrun by ignorant remarks instead of paying respect to these outstanding sailors 🙏🏻💕 , the crew & their families

[@troothhertz6297]

@@MysticRose24 say same for the anti white recent farm murders the media hides from you.

[@goodputin4324]

Corpse?

[@Bluecollarjoe6B9]

The NAVY called the NSRI 😮 The NAVY

[@manusduminy9845]

Nothing strange about that, seeing that the NSRI stations were probably closer than the nearest navy base or vessel.

[@mrb2643]

The swells n conditions were bad. There is no need to do a training session like this. World class simulations can haooen in controlled conditions

[@merle-wq9ir]

Mind boggling.

[@teachermichelle9632]

Unbelievable

[@unclescipio3136]

Which doesn't even receive government funding. And they should.

[@SubBrief]

Why were they performing a VertRep exercise in 3 meter waves? That is Sea State 6! The only thing submarines do in sea state 6 is submerge to 150 feet. This whole episode is bonkers.

[@askingoption4125]

It was apparently a 10m wave that got them, but still. They took the sub out of submarine.

[@memeguyTM]

Unacceptable...

[@Clement00]

Okay?

[@stuartrobertse9617]

Surley when going out on deck? Life jackets are worn??? Exersize or not!!!!

[@leightonvisagie]

I salute the men and women risking their lives for our country 🇿🇦♥️

[@michaelsutcliffe9165]

Who on God's earth want's to invade us there's nothing here

[@a95569]

In a lost cause - that exacerbates it.

[@gailcoetzee6812]

Life jackets and life lines, in my years of being in the Navy, I do not recall anything like this ever happening, regardless of weather conditions..... like i say......life jackets and life lines........

[@captainunderpants936]

That's so true I'm a safety officer and my crue must wear ppe when on deck that's rules

[@0BuLLeT01]

I'm sure that's going to be a key focus in the investigation.

[@cboffard8350]

Have you forgotten the PK?

[@masstoucan5426]

Navy calls in NSRI for help. 🤦‍♂️

[@theborgster8497]

Heavy winds and rough seas...... If for whatever reason we would need to use the subs in an actual military operation, the weather doesn't stop for a submarine my friend. Incompetence all round.

[@gavinlocke800]

Navy people should be advanced swimmers....such a sad loss for their familys

[@TheCatLady65]

I don't think even the strongest swimmer would have lasted long in that sea!

[@menzimngadi6793]

​@TheCatLady65 Fair enough, but a soldier should not loose their life in the water in the way that we saw here. They have training, equipment, instincts, and bladdy colleagues a few yards away in navy vessels with rescue equipment. Everything is just weird

[@cosmicwakes6443]

​@@menzimngadi6793Shut up, keyboard warrior.

[@teachermichelle9632]

​@@TheCatLady65how long were they out at sea?

[@ContendformyFaith]

If these mariners were as experienced as they say they must have been very good swimmers. Loss of life just doesn't add up

[@nrg_elijah5395]

No life jackets? Navy officers should be of the highest training and mindset. Sad to see this loss of lives. Proper safety was not in place but in real life circumstances our navy officers are under trained by 33%.😢😢😢

[@johanolwage213]

Why am I not surprised? I feel for those who lost their lives and their families, but our defense force is a threat to themselves today.

[@buffalowing.]

😂

[@fredperry523]

Imagine if the SA navy had to go to war - they would have to be bailed out by the NSRI.

[@munnik_dnb]

FAILED STATE

[@pietmuskiet5586]

Failed goverment😂😂😂

[@CenterZero_DeadSecurity]

No, Pakistan is a failed state😂 completely different

[@mikespencer4922]

Mickey Mouse Navy...!!

[@pietmuskiet5586]

@@mikespencer4922 the mice wont feel good!!!

[@mikespencer4922]

@@pietmuskiet5586 😝🤣🤣🤣 nê!

[@ViroCMN]

what went wrong ... simple ... BEE

[@dorothywarner8141]

As in every other job in SA. BEE = Equals incompetence

[@chadleywenn648]

I just want to know how is it possible... Tell me how when you have seen how unstable the sea was... The Navy than has all the equipment to see how unstable the sea is. So tell me how and why. Condolences to the family now we lost the first ever Woman in Africa because of incompetent leaders 🙄

[@MysticRose24]

I have served for 37 years - where did they mention incompetent leaders?

[@Mother.Mulberry]

My question too

[@roxannerabie634]

So in a war the sea will be stable? It is THE NAVY people who enlist to defend the country and its people they KNOW full well what they signing up for! If the country gets attacked trust me the weather and conditions aren't going to say hey they at war lets give them clear skies and calm waters

[@shanmarks5631]

We had just experienced the worst spring tide we've ever seen, the sea hasn't yet settled...and they organise this. Why are these delinquents in charge still in these positions...they know not what they do.

[@roxannerabie634]

Gosh imagine if a war breaks out...

[@a95569]

​@@roxannerabie634Don't worry! Our rubber duck battle ships are at the ready. With non-swimmers armed with assegaais and knobkieries.

[@GinaMazzola]

Condolences to all of tĥe families of those lost and to their fellow officers.

[@chrissmit6439]

Condolences to the families of the soldiers who perished during this unfortunate incident. This tragedy may have been avoided if there were more competent people behind the planning and excecution. Honestly, how did our navy get to the point where the NSRI is called in to save the lives of soldiers. Why was there no contingency plan inplace and a military backup procedure? Extraordinary. You cannot make this stuff up. Thank the lord for the NSRI otherwise more lives may have been lost if not all. The rest of the global military community again laughing at us.

[@brianlawrenson2815]

Sailors not army or more would have been lost

[@wilhelmdevilliers5650]

These human fatalies so unfortunate. Agree fully with Dean Wingrin on safety procedures when Mariners are deployed on deck of a Submarine eg the use of Safety Line (Harnass clip to Safety Line), Life jackets ....ect .

[@menzimngadi6793]

It's ridiculous.

[@scroopynooperz9051]

if a real conflict ever had to break out, these navy boys are more likely to strike our own ports, then actually engage the enemy xD Our armed forces have tumbled a far way since their heyday of competent ops. We all know why xD Admission tests should be more stringent and operation budgets, training should be increased if we wish to operate a frontline navy capable of adequately defending our shoreline. That said, naval submarine tragedies arent exactly a unicorn - these things have happened even with experienced bluewater navies with lots of training. The yanks have lost subs & crew, Soviets and Chinese have lost subs and crew etc. Being stuck in a tin can deep underwater, where the pressure can be multitudes of surface atmospheric pressure, is inherently dangerous.

[@menzimngadi6793]

@scroopynooperz9051 A submarine accident or aeroplane accident are often not survavable. This is not the same thing. In this case people died because of exposure to the water right on the shoreline with naval marines watching. I cannot imagine the fear and sadness when they realized that their hopes of being rescued have gone.

[@0BuLLeT01]

The questions are whether they should have been conducting that exercise given the sea state, and crew's level of training and experience. If so, were proper procedure followed? (Safety tethers, life jackets.). If yes to both, then policy and procedure failed and needs to be changed.

[@shaunsawyer4011]

Cyril is probably going to be shocked when he finds out

[@zargonfuture4046]

Yes next week Thursday.

[@nochancetaker]

What a clown

[@deedee1942]

And then blame Apartheid again .

[@zargonfuture4046]

@@deedee1942 yup you hit the nail on the kop🔨

[@StudyWithKarabo]

@@deedee1942 you people like to bring politics into everything!!

[@TheMadManPlace]

Thanks to the ANC and their "budget cuts" it would not surprise most people if it eventually comes out that the safety equipment was not present or if the equipment was present that it was not serviceable.

[@sandrabrandt4632]

My sincere condolences to the families 😢😢

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Only the people on board would know what has happened. For a Radio Station to pass judgement on the training of submariners beggars belief. The Armed Forces are not allocated the amount of money to operate as a top class Force

[@davidgreen7849]

A tragic result, but goes to prove that whatever training is being done....clearly isn't up to standard. As if it was the wave's fault ".....were swept out to sea by high waves" er, NO. ...... died because our skills were below standard.

[@peeps977]

Sad news for the crew members but it is the ANC to blame for this no one else. Or should it be apartheid's fault again??

[@davidroux7987]

Apartheid. The sub could have been blacker.

[@genin69]

so many questions about this catastrophe.. why no support vehicles on the ready? was this the womans first time driving the sub? why are people working in the navy not good swimmers? why did nobody have life jackets? it seems basic safety protocols for a training op was just not present

[@ShirleySewsanker-gx9nd]

THEY have incompetent people on high ranks KNOW nothing but they get top positions

[@samphora6126]

they had life jackets

[@collinmartin3589]

very sad loss of life. Condolences to the families. One cannot help but wonder if this is another symptom of the steady decline of all aspects of what South Africa used to be....

[@sandrabrandt4632]

It brings back sad memories of my late brother whose body was washed up at kommijie dare bout capsized wit 14 crew members on board all died 😢😢

[@pamellayantolo3797]

I'm sorry to hear that 🙏🙏🙏

[@lelu1687]

May your dear brother and crew members rest in perfect peace🙏🌹

[@winkeemanley1820]

So sad what happened to your brother and the 14 crew members. May they rest in peace. My late dad and two others were tragically washed off the rocks while fishing at Rooi Els in February 1960. May they all rest in peace.

[@samphora6126]

Condolences to your brother and may his soul continue to rest in peace. So we agree that accidents can happen to even the well trained officers of yesterday.Lack of Training is not an excuse for accidents even if it is today because trainers of today are operators of yesterday.

[@MemeDonkey69]

RIP to the men . "" Between them the SANDF and the Department of Defence (DoD) have some 406 generals, admirals and civilian officials in equivalent ranks, although some may be specialists paid at that level without holding the actual rank "" Mmm back in 1980s we had maybe 4-8 senior officers for the SA army? now we have 400 , ANC put their buddies in high ranks that do nothing and get fat pay checks. Remember when military bases were robbed of rifles and nothing was ever said of it again?

[@Slowly_Jolly]

😢,sad reality. Civilians will never understand what dedicated servants of the state go through( especially those who love their jobs) under the commands of those who do not have the love and passion for the services 🙏🏽. May their souls rest in eternal peace

[@PippaHarris5602]

I remember a time when the US and UK navy came to South Africa to train because we had the best navy in the world.

[@heavygustav]

You're not full of shit! Do better!!

[@qhayiya252]

Somehow, we were even Hosting a naval drill with China and Russia. It probably wasn't world class but compared to our neighbors it was great. Hopefully our armed forces can be brought back to operative form after we've exited this crisis.

[@arlenespencer5850]

Yes sadly that is now ..... Once Upon a Time.

[@Ruandpl]

How is this even possible!?

[@kiimmaritz2827]

I was there too in 1980... brilliant navy..now a circus..just like rest of our forces

[@teachermichelle9632]

When I was younger, to be selected to enter the navy, you needed to be able to swim hectic distances and maintain a speed. How are naval officers unable to just stay afloat for such a short period. Ridiculous that people who aren't as strong swimmers as they need to be, are doing these naval practices during the most enormous swell I have seen in 47 years on this earth!!!!!

[@cboffard8350]

47 years on this earth and still posting when you're utterly clueless?

[@splashafrica]

Rough seas even the rescue diver was taken to hospital for care

[@YoloGree]

I was involved in the rescue and made a seperate account for obvious reasons , but im sorry if you were in those conditions even with gear and being a decent swimmer as well its tough so don't make assumptions when you only know a fraction of the story .

[@teachermichelle9632]

@@YoloGree that makes the entire exercise even more ridiculous!!!!

[@leigh-annadams1169]

Training in the sea during spring tide.... really now. The navy should be help accountable

[@leogust4227]

Why was Gillian still in the Sub??

[@Slappies007]

At the end of the day, nothing will happen😮

[@AmaNotaGogo]

Ummm! I am puzzled as to why the XO and the swain were on deck during heavy seas for an exercise - without life jackets and tethers to the boat? The navy mission statement is fighting at sea, but the NSRI will save the day.

[@nomzwakazi]

Sounds super sketchy to me

[@onearnedbandit]

The question is not how did it happen but rather how did politically appointed officers avoid it for so long condolences to family of deceased i left sadf after 9 years seeing this was a strong possibility

[@nathanielwillex1359]

Sad we know they won't take accountability for the loss of these people

[@rameezabrahams477]

Something doesn't add up weird how those guys can't swim cause they should be trained for that percific work

[@micasa6493]

Should have left the sub in dry dock.

[@mikesierra8593]

What a splendid idea to exit the sub during turbulent conditions. Must have been a smoke break at surface.

[@charmaineisaac4077]

Very sad...my condolences to the families

[@comancheflyer4903]

I took part in a maritime survival course at the SAS Saldanha in the late nineties. As is custom when you check in at a base, the OC will give you a briefing. While doing so he pointed to a couple of new divers outside the briefing room saying none of them can swim!

[@cboffard8350]

His obvious joke was wasted on you.

[@comancheflyer4903]

????@@cboffard8350

[@fredperry523]

I doubt if 95 % of current Bee navy personnel can swim. I recall also not too long ago that the navy's first black submarine Commander drove the other submarine into the sea bed resulting in trauma counselling for the crew.

[@vivienne7945]

Prayers for families of loved one's lost 🇿🇦

[@stephenndlovu60]

Can a prayer change anything there ?? Do we really know the use of prayer

[@vivienne7945]

@@stephenndlovu60 i know the power of prayer first hand on more than one occasion, my life was spared. I guess it depends on what God you're praying to :)

[@vivienne7945]

It hopefully will give comfort for the hurt they must be feeling, tragic & unneccesary losses :)

[@seamus9750]

The standards of the personnel are rock bottom...one just has to observe them walking around Simon's Town drastically overweight.

[@deedee1942]

I was going to say the same thing ..send them lot to Seal Island ..not fit looking at all .

[@godfreyberry1599]

Goodness knows what would happen in actual conflict?.

[@askingoption4125]

Ysterplaat AFB also has a swak houding nowadays. If our RSM saw them "marching" they would have had an embolism.

[@etienne869]

Question is.. can they "sweem"?

[@askingoption4125]

@@etienne869 They can "ten" the boat to starboard, right?

[@ayandavellem938]

Very unfortunate event may the Crew members and family's be strong very sad Day let's not blame anyone let's be strong for everyone in these Times ❤😢

[@snowflakecuntreeman3947]

Oh no, lots of blame to be had or it will happen again. But a BOI will determine what steps need to be taken against who. But yes our "budget military" has to risk lives in order to stay relevant and that is very sad 😢. Condolences to the family.

[@tonythebomb4147]

Condolences to the families. 🙏🙏🙏

[@oubaasrsa9136]

If you plan properly and have pride in what you doing irrespective of race, gender, or whatever then this can be avoided. During conflict or not you always adhere to safety protocols in any scenario. Failure to comply with protocol and systems has led to arrogance and blaming instead of focusing and improving. Bring the discipline back with competent leadership and the Country can be turned around...

[@Snazzydoll440]

Let’s not judge. One can plan everything to the Tee. At the end of the day, God has the last say. 🙏🏾. Condolences to the bereaved.

[@shanmarks5631]

Oh how I have to agree re incompetence.

[@5801160052086]

​@@Snazzydoll440Actually you cant just blame God for this, go read James 1:13 see for youslef. This was incometence, failure to adhere to safety protocols and failure to take the extreme weather into account. A sad avoidable loss of the lives of others.

[@ShisnoGaming]

Agree! if SA ever needed to participate in a war, they would take themselves out due to lack of pride and coordination required. BEE policy ruined everything.

[@jjaltern2077]

This is very sad but the truth is that the navy, especially speciality staff in charge of a submarine for instance are so inept and incompetent, poorly trained etc etc, it's no wonder, not even to talk about the people in charge and the pathetic state of everything that is government.

[@halbodb]

Incompetence, what else? Finish and klaar!

[@sovietred7371]

Why were they outside? The sea was rough, so why? Condolances to the families

[@marcleroux3426]

probably going to get hated for this comment but WTF were they thinking would happen standing on a Sub in rough seas. this is so unnecessary

[@allanhutton1123]

Amazed we still have a sub. Navy is an embarrassment

[@godfreyberry1599]

Also thought our subs had been trashed long ago - also very surprised to see this one not laid up on a permanent basis.

[@robinpoonsamy1071]

My condolences to the families who lost loved ones

[@francoisbezuidenhout4638]

Jan van Riebeeck landed in Het Vlek in wooden vessels. Whisky tango foxtrot..

[@catherinethemba]

Ai yai yai. Great work Navy.

[@davidroux7987]

I trust them. Imagine the poondoo Class fighter jets.

[@catherinethemba]

@@davidroux7987 let's not!

[@Kevinvnk]

south africa... what a time to be alive...

[@NkosanaMakhubele]

You act like mistakes don't happen

[@charlesscott4722]

@@NkosanaMakhubele For real, it's unbelievable. US (the most powerful nation in the world) lost an F-35 few days ago but South African military is, somehow, not allowed to make mistakes according to these people

[@etienne869]

They lost and found a F35, not losing 3 lives, haibo!! @@charlesscott4722

[@Clement00]

The US is not the most powerful nation *

[@ohno2624]

Seriously, were they latched onto the safety chord? Did they have pfd's on? Could they even swim? Sounds like they had no skills (bee excellence) Who goes out to sea in the most intense swell in the last 20 years, the anc does... this is what happens when you give the country away to criminals 🐒

[@troothhertz6297]

What ? We have a submarine? Wow. Must be the one and only left out of 3 that are meant to protect beach goers from sharks lmao

[@shayleenjoubert2008]

This is totally unexceptable.may God help us all, if this is how an excersice goes "down" can you imagine in a time of war?. We are doomed 😢. My deepest sympathy to the families tjat have lost there loved ones.

[@jeffsteyn7174]

You hysterical...calm down...These exercises happen ALL the time. This just happened to be one where things went wrong. Between 2006 and 2020 32% (5605) american soldiers killed in duty was due to training accidents.

[@Clement00]

@@MysticRose24Thank You. People can be very dumb sometimes

[@faizshaigh8691]

I hope we neva go to war..I shudder to think

[@Boomshaka]

The country is run by incompetency, incidents like this is not a shock to me anymore. The ANC has truly made this country inept. Sad for the families

[@tsholofeloeafrikaborwa6563]

What did the russians train the to do last year? Get drunk like their russian friends in Ukraine. While the ANC oligarchs steal money?

[@ronny5764]

we'll have call the NSRI to fight if war ever break out? Incompetent leadership as usual... This is very sad...

[@paulcoates2971]

Quick question be it as it may however when they went out to a braai a short while ago off Hout Bay no safety protocols were in place ie safety vests as per pictures on the web.

[@yusufabrahams4179]

The whole world must be laughing at this, and how does one not check on the weather .....

[@pieterlabuschagne7507]

So sad that 3 people died

[@iansmit1344]

They paid the price for the gangster state anccccc

[@davidboyter9674]

These Vessels are designed to withstand incredible impacts , with fail safe after fail safe, hatchet lock rooms spare motors, etc. Who takes a look at training or the maintenance until its too late? its terrible to loose lives over something that should never occur or could be prevented . Cape Harbor is equipped to test and maintain such vessels . How can we help our Nation ?

[@user-kk3jj1og5r]

Where was such an incident 1982 on board the SAS Prettoruis then, a huge wave did hit the deck of the big Ship Unfortunately my S.A. Navy friend and fellow Sailor did lost his life. So sad. R.I.P. my fellow Sailors.

[@alfonsvancraeynest2461]

The problem lies with incompetence of people in charge. In all areas of SA systems whether government or private.

[@benitadewet9344]

Surprised. Everybody was warned of high dangerous coastal waters ...

[@sanjithmaniram7744]

Definitely no risk assessment was done

[@PHILT-zp5bs]

Weird. Usually safety is priority in stuff like this. Especially during training/practice.This ain't no walk in the park job. Condolences to the families.

[@goatg1574]

Could they swim??????

[@dirkbindemann1852]

😂

[@theboogyman-tz5qp]

Nope 😂

[@davidroux7987]

Names sound like non swimmers

[@PippaHarris5602]

​@@davidroux7987😂😂

[@gabshide]

Notwithstanding the incompetence of those in command, this comment is disrespectful to those who died and their families. Please withdraw your comments.

[@sihlemasondo2898]

Condolences💔 to the families who list loved ones 💔

[@shaunsandenbergh8875]

First SA women to steer a submarine,is also the first women to loose a submarine

[@luciatheron1621]

You must be such fun at parties.

[@chrissmit6439]

​@@luciatheron1621I agree, sometimes the truth is not such a comfortable aspect of plain incompentence. As a man I find it hard to defend any person of any gender whos stupidty cost the lives of people trusting them for making good decisions. You must really have wierd parties where people dying is the fun subject and the ones opposing that are the spoilsports...

[@garyvahl7658]

It is called EDI

[@gregmenego2200]

Most likely a flappie chick steering....also known as non swimmers!

[@justinthacker3144]

Reality > Equity, diversity, inclusion :(

[@Redri747]

The Sub would have been more unaffected by the extreme weather submerged ... Condolences to the naval members who lost their lives.

[@scroopynooperz9051]

lol that is SOP for any navy. surface turbulence is just that.. on the surface xD If no one thought to dive to avoid those conditions, their training obviously leaves a lot to be desired.

[@gekolizzard]

And how would you conduct a vertical replenishment exercise submerged? Unless the crew have learnt to breath underwater I suspect they might have a bit of a problem.

[@MysticRose24]

Bit difficult to conduct a vertrep whilst diving ??

[@scroopynooperz9051]

@@MysticRose24 maybe don't do a vertrep in terrible weather? especially if your safety protocols leave a lot to be desired.

[@Redri747]

@@scroopynooperz9051 100%

[@kiimmaritz2827]

In my day things like this never happened.. incompetent members?

[@scroopynooperz9051]

In ur days they didnt have obese sailors and a KFC outlet on submarines either 😂 Some would call it progress lol

[@craigclifton7254]

There was an incident were sailors were washed off the President Pretorius and one died.they had life jackets on

[@kiimmaritz2827]

I remember the President Steyn and Tafelberg collided during storm manoeuvre...an accident...waiting to happen...

[@cboffard8350]

In our day we lost an entire frigate and 16 lives. Some commenters here have conveniently forgotten that.

[@samphora6126]

so it did happen in your days,how did you miss it? @@kiimmaritz2827

[@babcockdaftransportsolutio344]

All I hear is excuses from this guy capetown had the worst storm in ages a week couldn't wait. Trying to blame money for maintenance come on we not dumb tell us the truth familes don't ha e three husband's back home cause of bad planning

[@NJ-ky7pi]

My days working for safmarine,safety always came first, can't see how they would go on deck of a submarine ,without safety harness

[@nomzwakazi]

Almost sounds like a mutiny scenario

[@shinsvantil8642]

…maybe sailors should be able to swim just like soldiers should be able to walk….duh!!!!!

[@phillipcollins9290]

Swim in those swell? Don't show such stupidity.

[@amandadassonville4043]

Well uughh have you seen our soldiers trying to March lately or take and give the salute. It's a circus. We were one of the best once upon a time. Sighhhhh.🐝

[@SupaNick7]

Condolences to all the families that lost a loved one due to incompetent and inept officers in charge. The officers in charge must be charged and disband.

[@roylyle8222]

Very sad to hear.

[@drevil8519]

I have more respect for our defense force members than our police. Not that our defense force is worth much, but still...

[@ShirleySewsanker-gx9nd]

Very sad.

[@niccolesbl]

I'm so hurt I'm hurt 💔 😞

[@Antoinette-iv6ev]

Why. Did they not have safety harnesses.

[@krishorst4734]

Were they not wearing buoyancy suits? The weather was shit and the waves huge, precautions should have been taken including swimming ability.

[@jeffsteyn7174]

While tragic training deaths are common. These people arent working a normal 9 to 5... for perspective...Between 2006 and 2020 32% (5605) american soldiers killed in duty was due to training accidents.

[@DreadnoughtDave]

I see our Navy is ready to join Russia's war.

[@zargonfuture4046]

For the ukanes yes...

[@martinmuller7127]

so sad they got what they deserve... you don't belong on the sea, they were stupid and childish.

[@Itsjustme326]

Sorry for the loss of life and their families. However I am very interested to find out what the swim fitness of our navy is these days?

[@fernrobertson465]

The Naval commanders MUST take the blame. This tragedy should never ever have happened. RIP

[@cboffard8350]

We all know the state of the SANDF, but the chorus of "failed state / BEE / would never have happened pre-1994 / inferior blacks" nostalgia conveniently forgets the collision that sank the President Kruger, put the Tafelberg out of action and killed 16 sailors in 1982. Due to incompetence, I regret to say. So it did happen pre-1994, much worse, but none of these people could blame BEE then. My sympathies to the dead sailors' families.

[@samphora6126]

No body will reply to you for the agenda is known.even this broadcast is intended for ridicule the current navy

[@derrickmarais]

The sea around the Cape can be dangerous and military training exercises can be dangerous.

[@roxannerabie634]

War is dangerous and thats pretty much every enlistee has signed up for hey

[@troothhertz6297]

How do crew members drown with a life jackets on them ???? Pls can someone explain this to me?

[@hellomom4910]

OK, after a bit of googling i found out there are 5 ways to drown while wearing a life jacket, I suspect it would have been flush-drowning where they were battered by the large waves or else they were unconscious from the first wave impact. From pictures it looked like there were safety lines as well. But still it could have been avoided with a bit of common sense, which ain't so common no more.

[@troothhertz6297]

@@hellomom4910 It turns out the submarine was named after a black witch who slaughtered hundreds in Africa. So I think they were doomed no matter what

[@troothhertz6297]

@@hellomom4910 wow were these novices or trained seaman ?

[@NkosanaMakhubele]

Rip💔🕊

[@MoonHoax-md6mp]

Stupidity and ignorance prevail again. To conduct such an exercise in 7m swells!? 😡

[@luyaasivile5281]

A lot of professional keyboard marines here in the comments, sincere Condolences to our heroes families 🇿🇦.

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

Nah if you see sailors these days you just feel disappointed. They soft and dont know nothing about blue water. Most can barely swim which baffles me as to how they even qualified. The same goes for paratroopers their patches dont represent their actual ability

[@drevil8519]

You just cannot eat Chakalaka and baked beans in enclosed spaces. When will they learn?

[@markatkinson8066]

This is what happens when idiots are running the show and are placed into positions, not because of their experience, but because it’s politically “correct”