3 South Africa navy personnel die after they are swept off a submarine deck during supply operation

By GERALD IMRAY
Associated Press

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Three South African navy personnel have died and a senior officer is in a critical condition after seven crew members of a submarine were swept off its deck and out to sea by big waves. The Department of Defense says it happened as an Air Force helicopter was attempting a “vertical transfer” of supplies down to the SAS Manthatisi off the coast of Cape Town on Wednesday. The operation was immediately called off and a rescue effort was launched. All seven submariners were recovered but three were pronounced dead. A helicopter crew member dispatched as a “rescue swimmer” is in the hospital alongside the four submariners who survived.