The families of three sailors who lost their lives at sea off the coast of Cape Town two years ago have expressed appreciation to Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese for honoring their loved ones.

A Submarine Squadron Memorial Site has been unveiled in Simon’s Town.

The memorial site is to honour Lieutenant Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa and Warrant Officer Lucas Mojela.

The three officers lost their lives during a vertical transfer exercise involving a helicopter off Kommetjie in September 2023.

Gillian Hector’s mother, Bernadette Malouw, says she will continue with her legacy.

“I thought I lost all. After God closed her eyes, the navy stood by my side and the chief told me, ‘for us you do matter’. That is what makes me like humbler in the story. What she did she did out of her heart. She did it with a passion, so I’m just going to keep her legacy alive.”