News24 reports that in an emotional memorial held at the Wynberg Military Indoor Sports Centre on Wednesday, hundreds of family members, colleagues, and friends gathered to pay tribute to Lieutenant-Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, 33, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa, 48, and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela, 43, who died at sea last week.

They were part of a crew carrying out a routine training exercise on the SAS Manthatisi submarine at the time of the incident. Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese said the three main sections of the Simons Town Navy Base would be renamed in honour of the sailors. This was met with loud applause and a standing ovation by all in attendance. The Submarine Training Centre will be renamed the Gillian Hector Training Centre; the Submarine Squadron Building, called the Orca Building, will be renamed the Mmokwapa Mojela building; and the Submarine Battery Workshop will be renamed the William Mathipa Workshop. As he recalled the moments leading up to the fateful incident, Lobese called to the podium all the remaining crew members who were aboard the submarine. One had a limp, the result of an injury he sustained after he was swept into the sea. "These men standing here before us displayed [bravery] in trying to save those that went overboard […] The loss suffered by the SA Navy's submarine squadron is great. Not only have we lost qualified specialists who have served their country with pride and diligence, but the loss of experience and competence will be felt for many years to come. Although this loss is great, it pales in comparison to the loss of the families who have [lost loved ones]," Lobese said.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisalee Solomons at News24
• Read too, Kommetjie tragedy: Three mariners remembered as pioneers in their field, at EWN

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page