SANDF releases names of lost soldiers
The names of the soldiers who were killed in a freak accident at the Durban Naval Base yesterday have been released.
THE Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke, has released the names of the deceased soldiers. following consultation with the families of the soldiers who lost their lives during the attempted rescue of the three Public Works employees at Durban Naval Base on 17 February.
The members who lost their lives were Leading Seaman Amrithlall Tothara Ramdin, (41), from Naval Base Durban residing in Bluff, Able Seaman Francois William Mundell, (26), from SAS MAKHANDA in George, Western Cape and Seaman Henro Ter Borg, (21), from Maritime Reaction Squadron, residing in Brackenfell, Cape Town. Seaman Ter Borg was on a Tour of Duty in Durban for the 2017 Armed Forces Day celebrations.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Defence Secretary Dr Sam Gulube join the Chief of the SANDF together with the Chief of the SA Navy, Vice Admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane in expressing heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased.
“The Military Police with members of the South African Police Service are continuing with their investigations to establish the circumstances that led to this painful episode. The Chief of the SA Navy has also convened a Board of Enquiry to further investigation the matter and bring the families some form of closure,” said General Solly Shoke.
He said the funeral arrangements for the fallen soldiers will be announced in due course.
The incident happened on Friday while members of the Department of Public Works were working on a sewage valve when gas fumes leaked out and affected their breathing. They tried to escape the pit, however they were overwhelmed by the toxic gases and passed out.
“One contractor ran for assistance and approached the Maritime Reaction Squadron bus passing nearby. The three SANDF members unselfishly reacted swiftly with the intention to save the lives of their fellow countrymen but unfortunately succumbed to the high levels of fumes in the pit and passed on,” said Shoke.
As more assistance arrived, members descended down the pit through a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus and recovered six members to the top of the pit. All resuscitation attempts could not save the three soldiers. Paramedics on the scene conducted the final assessment and declared all six people dead.
He said twenty-four other members that assisted with the recovery of the bodies were taken to St Augustine Hospital where they were treated for shortness of breath. All members underwent chest X-rays and were cleared. One member from Naval Base Durban was admitted to hospital for further observation.
“I am proud to lead a military with patriotic soldiers who are always ready to respond to the call of duty and put their lives on the line just so South Africans could feel protected. These soldiers who laid down their lives, did so while on a noble duty to save the lives of fellow South Africans in distress and their actions are commended.” said Shoke.
