South African rescue services have reported the tragic loss of two navy divers in an incident near Cape Town’s waters on Wednesday.
Craig Lambinon, spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute, confirmed an ongoing rescue operation in the vicinity of the coastal town of Kommetjie, located on the Cape Peninsula south of the port city.
“Seven divers were rescued from the water, sadly two are deceased,” Lambinon said.
“One has been transported to hospital in a serious condition and it appears at this stage that four are safe with minimal injuries.”
The details surrounding the incident, which occurred in the afternoon, remain unclear at this time.
Rescuers were trying to recover another diver, Lambinon added.
The Cape Peninsula is where South Africa’s largest naval base, Simon’s Town, is situated.
The South African Navy is scheduled to conduct a series of parades and military exercises in Cape Town, running from Saturday to Monday. The public is welcome to visit ships and even a submarine during this event.
