- The Indian Navy has signed an agreement with the South African Navy to rescue its Submarine personnel who have met an accident or are in distress in the deep sea.
- Under the Implementing Agreement, the Indian Navy will provide rescue assistance to the South African Navy in case its submarine meets an accident or is in distress. The Indian Navy
- In such cases, it will use its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to rescue the South African Submarine personnel.
- South Africa is one of the few African countries with submarines in its Navy.
- In September 2023, three South African naval personnel lost their lives onboard the SAS Manthatisi submarine due to an accident. South Africa operates three German-made HDW submarines.
Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle
- The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) is used to rescue sunken submarine personnel. The DSRV is towed to the rescue site by a mother ship.
- The DSRV dives at the spot where the submarine has sunk and then mates with it through a thatch. This creates a corridor for the crew of the sunken submarine to enter the DSRV.
- The DSRV surface and the rescued crews are transferred to a ship for further assistance.