Two sailors drown, more saved in dramatic rescue off Kommetjie

A huge rescue operation got under way at Slangkop Lighthouse off Kommetjie, near Cape Town, on Wednesday to rescue navy mariners after they were apparently washed off the deck of a submarine.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said in a late afternoon update on Wednesday that two people had died, two were taken to hospital for treatment and four others appeared to be well after being rescued.

TimesLIVE was told that the seamen were washed off the deck of a navy submarine, and photographs reflected the rescue efforts, but this is yet to be confirmed by the military.

Petty Officer Stacey Jonas, navy media liaison in Simon's Town, said a formal statement would be released by the navy.

Lambinon said while it was initially believed the victims were navy divers, they are in fact mariners.

Police, EMS, the SA Navy and Air Force, navy command and the maritime rescue co-ordination centre were involved in the search.

“This is an ongoing operation,” said Lambinon.

TimesLIVE