Navy family mourns loss of sailor

LS Brandon South

Family, friends and the crew of HMCS Regina are mourning the loss of Leading Seaman Brandon South.

LS South died in a Tanzanian hospital on April 21. The sailor was en route to Canada for a scheduled leave period from the ship, which is currently sailing in the Indian Ocean on Operation Artemis.

The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of LS South. His presence will be dearly missed by all the ship’s company of HMCS Regina,” said Cdr Daniel Charlebois, the ship’s Commanding Officer.

The Canadian Military Police are working with authorities in Dar Es Salaam to investigate the matter.

LS South joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2000.  He was serving with Regina on Operation Artemis as a sonar operator at the time of his death.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Leading Seaman Brandon South, which occurred while he was deployed overseas. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues, and we will ensure that support is provided for them during their time of need,” said LGen Stuart Beare, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Operation Artemis is the Canadian Armed Forces’ current participation in maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea, which demonstrates Canada’s solidarity with partners and allies to work together for peace and security in the maritime environment of the greater Middle East region.