Ex-Legendary SAAF Puma 152 Saved for Future Generations
Thanks to the generosity of Starlight Aviation, Atlas360, Prosafe, Atlas Crane Hire and the Ekurhuleni Metro's Motorcycle Division
By Willie Bodenstein
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During the sinking of the cruise ship MTS Oceanos on 4 August 1991 off Coffee Bay on South Africa's Wild Coast, the South African Air Force (SAAF) spearheaded what would become one of the greatest maritime rescue operations ever undertaken.
Of the sixteen helicopters deployed, thirteen were SAAF Puma helicopters. Working in appalling conditions, they rescued 225 passengers from the listing vessel, ultimately ensuring that every person on board survived.
The operation remains one of the finest hours in the histories of both the South African Air Force and the South African Navy. The professionalism, courage and teamwork displayed by the rescue crews continue to be recognised as an outstanding example of military humanitarian service.
One of the helicopters that took part in this historic mission was Puma tail number 152 (serial number 1373), flown during the operation by Captain Slade Thomas. For his outstanding contribution to the rescue, Thomas was awarded the Air Force Cross.
Long before the Oceanos rescue, Puma 152 had already earned its place in South African military aviation history, serving extensively during operations in the South West Africa (Namibia)/Angola Border War, which ended in 1988.
After leaving the SAAF, Slade Thomas founded the Starlight Group. Among the first Pumas acquired by the company were several former Department of Environmental Affairs helicopters, including 152-an aircraft with which Thomas had a long personal association, having flown her during his military career while accumulating more than 6,700 helicopter flying hours in helicopters.
Following her retirement from commercial service, Puma 152 was stored at Starlight Aviation's Far East Rand facility. When space eventually became a constraint, the company made a remarkable decision. Rather than allowing this historic aircraft to be scrapped, Starlight generously donated her to the Springs Mining and Military Museum, ensuring that an important piece of South African aviation heritage would be preserved for future generations.
Thanks to additional sponsorship from Springs-based Atlas360, specialists in truck and bus accident repairs, restoration work is progressing well. During my visit on 20 July, the helicopter was being carefully prepared for repainting in her original South African Air Force camouflage scheme, a fitting tribute to her distinguished service.
Located in Springs, Gauteng, the Springs Mining and Military Museum is open every weekend from 08:00 to 12:00. Admission is free, although donations are warmly welcomed to assist with the museum's on-going restoration projects.
The non-profit museum boasts an ever-expanding collection of restored military aircraft, armoured vehicles, artillery, military vehicles and century-old mining equipment. Growing rapidly with each new acquisition, it is fast becoming one of the East Rand's premier heritage attractions.
Images by Arno Zwarts
More importantly, the preservation of Puma 152 ensures that future generations will be able to stand beside one of South Africa's most historic helicopters, a machine that not only served with distinction during the Border War but also helped write one of the most remarkable rescue stories in aviation history. It is a tribute not only to the aircraft itself, but to the men and women who flew and maintained her in the service of their country.
