The first female submarine navigator in the South African Navy Gillian Malouw succumbed to her injuries in a submarine disaster alongside two others on Wednesday.
The deceased female on the scene was identified as 33-year-old Lieutenant Gillian Malouw while the other two were Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela.
Malouw, made her debut in the navy’s shores at the age of 28. She grew up in Schauderville, Port Elizabeth. She joined the sea cadets in grade 7.
The South African National Defence Force stated that high waves swept seven crew members out to sea during a vertical transfer off Kommetjie near Cape Town.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed that four of the seven were rescued but unfortunately, the remaining three did not survive.
The NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the defence force, navy, military police, Transnet, and several other personnel responded as it was initially believed that seven navy divers were in the water.
“A rescue operation was launched and all seven men were rescued, however, two passed away when CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] efforts were exhausted.”
Lambinon said one female officer was still on board and an SA Air Force helicopter assisted in extricating her from the vessel.
It was reported that inquest dockets were opened for the deceased and the incident will be investigated by the South African Navy and maritime authorities.
Lambinon added that their bodies were taken into the care of the government’s health forensic pathology services.
The President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences for the late shero on social media platform X.
As Commander-in-Chief of South Africa’s Armed Forces, President @CyrilRamaphosa is deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members of the South African Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi who perished at sea off Kommetjie near Cape Town on Wednesday, 20 September 2023.…
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) September 21, 2023
He wrote: “As Commander-in-Chief of South Africa’s armed forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members of the South African Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi who perished at sea off Kommetjie near Cape Town on Wednesday, September 20.”
The first black anchor Doreen Morris wrote on X, sharing the president’s sentiments.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, which includes someone I have admired for the longest time, Lt Gillian Malouw, Africa’s first woman submarine navigator. Sending strength to the crew, their respective families and friends during this difficult time,” Morris wrote.
DA member of parliament Siviwe Gwarube wrote: “What heavy news. Eastern Cape born, first woman Navy Submarine Navigator on the continent has died in an accident.
“Rest in peace Gillian Malouw, you chartered a path for women who come after you to flourish in a field that was never designed for us.”
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