The SA Navy confirmed that the strike craft SAS Isaac Dyobha accidentally discharged one of its guns and hit the SAS Drakensberg with a practice round, damaging its port-side deck, while both ships were berthed in Port Elizabeth harbour.

The incident occurred during the Armed Forces Day military exhibition in Port Elizabeth, which was attended by 25000 people.

“The details … are currently under investigation,” SA Navy spokesman Zamo Sithole said.

Sources confirmed that:

• The strike craft accidentally fired while trying to clear a blockage in the gun;
• The round struck the SAS Drakensberg, causing a dent in deck 1.

Naval protocol lays down that guns should be cleared at sea.

When The Times visited Simon’s Town naval Base on Thursday there was no sign of the damage as the Drakensberg was berthed with her port against the quay.

Sources said similar incidents occurred worldwide frequently.

Other accidents involving South African vessels include:

• A frigate dropped a 4.5-inch round on a Simon’s Town school playground [it did not explode];
• Twenty years ago a strike craft fired a 76mm round through a building at Salisbury Island, Durban; and
• Six years ago, a frigate fired a 35mm round through its own aft section in Simon’s Town.

Defence analyst Helmoed Heitman said the latest incident was not an indictment of the navy, which he claimed was doing well despite budgetary constraints.

“Overall we are probably the best [navy] south of the Sahara. It’s a horribly tight situation. They don’t have money for refits or spares.”

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2016/03/07/Friendly-fire-in-PE