A Gqeberha woman and Africa's first woman to work as a qualified submarine navigator, Lt Gillian Malouw, was among the three people who died in the South African Navy submarine disaster off the coast of Kommetjie on Wednesday.
A family member confirmed her death.
Malouw was born and raised in Schauderville.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the incident occurred just before 3pm.
“At 2.47pm, NSRI Kommetjie duty crew were activated after my neighbour called me on the phone reporting what he suspected to be SA Navy personnel washed off an SA Navy vessel offshore of Slangkop Lighthouse,” NSRI Kommetjie station commander Dave Smith said.
“Duty crew responded to the NSRI Kommetjie rescue station to prepare to launch the rescue craft while raising the alarm.”
Smith said a few minutes later, while preparing to launch the rescue craft Spirit of the Vines and IL Batello, a “man overboard” alert had been sounded from navy vessels offshore of Kommetjie and broadcast by Telkom Maritime Radio.
“Three male casualties were rescued onto one NSRI rescue craft and four male casualties were rescued onto [another]. All seven were SA Navy mariners,” Smith said.
“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts were initiated on two of the men and once ashore at the Kommetjie slipway, CPR continued on both men by paramedics. After CPR efforts were exhausted they were declared deceased.
“One man was airlifted to hospital by a Netcare 911 air ambulance in the care of paramedics in a critical condition where doctors and nurses are fighting to save his life.
“One navy officer remained on-board the naval vessel and in a co-ordinated operation, during the late afternoon, offshore of Hout Bay, a South African Air Force helicopter deployed NSRI ASR rescue swimmers and EMS rescue paramedics on board where the woman was extricated from the vessel and CPR efforts commenced.”
NSRI Hout Bay dispatched an NSRI rescue craft and crew to assist at the navy vessel.
“Despite extensive CPR efforts, the woman officer was declared deceased. Her body was airlifted to the NSRI Hout Bay rescue station.
“The four crew survivors were lightly injured and did not require hospitalisation.
“Condolences are conveyed to the families of the deceased.”
The NSRI said an investigation would be opened by the navy and maritime authorities.
Police have opened inquest dockets on behalf of the deceased.
“The swift response and co-operation between all services involved is commended.”
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