Cause of Death: |
Died in Freak Accident, three members from the South African Navy died while trying to rescue two members from the Department of Public Works who were working in a sewage pit repairing the valve. Toxic gas started escaping into the pit that affected their breathing and one PWD member managed to exit the pit and call for assistance. A black employee from another Contractor working on the Island arrived on the scene and went into the pit to assist but also got into difficulties. The PWD worker flagged down a SANDF Maritime Reaction Squadron Bus that was passing by and three Navy members on the bus unselfishly reacted immediately and entered the pit to rescue the workers. Unfortunately, they were also overcome by the toxic gases and as more assistance arrived, members with breathing apparatus descended into the pit and recovered all six bodies. All resuscitation attempts failed to revive the three Sailors, or the three workers and Paramedics pronounced all six members dead at the scene. |