The Gqeberha family of a young navy officer who tragically died in a maritime incident yesterday, says they are still shocked and utterly heartbroken by her death.
Thirty-three-year-old Lieutenant Gillian Malouw was aboard the SA Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi when seven crew members were swept off the vessel into the ocean by high waves off Kommetjie in Cape Town on Wednesday afternoon.
A large-scale rescue operation saved the lives of five personnel, but Malouw and two other officers sadly perished in the tragedy. She was still on board the vessel when an SA Air Force helicopter assisted in extricating her body.
Malouw, who was born and raised in Gqeberha, became the first woman in Africa to navigate a submarine.
Speaking from the family home in Schauderville on Thursday, her aunt, Nita Malouw described her as a humble servant leader.
She said everyone was still in utter shock and disbelief following her death.
Her mother, Bernadette Malouw, was in Cape Town when she received word of her daughter's death.
Bernadette lived with Malouw and her husband, Romero, who is also a Navy officer. She took care of the couple's young son.
"She was the most amazing person and the absolute best daughter to her mother.
"Gillian was extremely determined, hardworking, and very dedicated to her work. She took great pride in what she did.
"Her family was everything to her and she would always acknowledge them for the role they played in her success.
"She served. She humbly served wherever she was required to."
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, extended his condolences to the family.
"She was a worthy ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Gqeberha in particular by working hard to achieve her career goals.
"I had the privilege of meeting this prodigious young lady a few months ago during the World Hydrography Celebrations held in Gqeberha in June.
"We thank her for her service to her country and the region of her birth. May her soul rest in heavenly peace," said Van Niekerk.
