Jesus shipwreck inaugurated at Oranjemund

The discovery of a shipwreck from 1533 at Oranjemund has led to various opportunities for the area.

Deputy minister of education, arts and culture Faustina Caley yesterday officially inaugurated the Bom Jesus shipwreck exhibition at the Jesper Museum at Oranjemund on Monday.

This is in an effort to preserve the country’s historical heritage, she said.

The Bom Jesus shipwreck is one of the oldest and most significant wrecks ever discovered in sub-Saharan Africa.

The event was attended by //­Kharas governor Aletha Fredericks, Oranjemund mayor Elias Kasemba, executive director of education, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp and National Heritage and Culture programmes director Manfred Gaeb.

“This incredible find, located off the coast of Oranjemund in Namibia, is more than just a shipwreck – it’s a window into the past, revealing stories of maritime exploration, trade and adventure from centuries ago.

“The story of this ship, its crew and its cargo reflects the complex and interconnected history of global exploration and trade, highlighting the wealth found by those who explored it.

“As Namibians, we are now privileged to share this story with the world. The name ‘Bom Jesus,’ meaning ‘Good Jesus’, speaks to the hopes and dreams of those explorers who set sail in search of new horizons,” Caley said.

The inauguration comes at a time when the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company is set to officially open Namibia’s first-ever maritime museum, built at a cost of N$450 million.

“This museum is more than just a collection of artefacts. It symbolises our commitment to ensuring our history is not forgotten,” Caley said.

“It represents our desire to educate, inspire and connect with the world to which we belong. With this museum, we aim to deepen the understanding of our heritage, not only for scholars and researchers, but also to help Namibia contribute to the global knowledge landscape.”

Steenkamp said what makes the Bom Jesus shipwreck extraordinary is the pristine condition in which it was found.

She said the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the protective layer of sand preserved not only the ship’s structure, but also its invaluable cargo, including gold and silver coins, copper ingots, ivory and the personal belongings of the crew.

“These artefacts offer us an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of the people who lived during that era – their ambitions, their challenges and the global trade networks that were emerging at the time.”

“What we are witnessing today are the remnants of the oldest shipwreck ever discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing tangible evidence of early global interactions. This trade relationship, symbolised by the ship, shaped the course of history for centuries to come.

“Moreover, Namibia’s commitment to preserving underwater cultural heritage is enshrined in the 2001 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, to which Namibia is a signatory,” Steenkamp said.

Oranjemund general manager Tony Bessinger said the shipwreck’s discovery also signals vast potential for economic growth.

“Restaurants, shops and accommodation tailored to tourists will flourish, bringing new life to our town, while allowing us to showcase the warm hospitality Oranjemund is known for. Moreover, the preservation and promotion of the Bom Jesus shipwreck will establish Oranjemund as a destination for maritime tou­rism,” he said.