Man drowns after jumping off Swakop jetty

The police identified a Swakopmund man who is presumed to have drowned after jumping off the Swakopmund jetty last Thursday in an apparent attempt to take his life as Lukas Shillimungweni (28).

Erongo police spokesperson chief inspector Ileni Shapumba says the body has yet to be recovered. The Namibian navy, police and community members are continuing their search efforts.

Quinton Liebenberg, owner of the Jetty Restaurant, describes the situation as a “tragedy”.

According to him, the incident unfolded around 22h35, when a staff member heard knocking near the restaurant’s front door. Upon investigation, they found Shillimungweni removing his clothes and climbing onto the window washing platform outside.

Restaurant staff immediately tried to talk him down.

“Our waiter spoke to him, trying to calm him down. The victim said he was going to jump and even gave his brother’s phone number for us to call,” Liebenberg says.

Despite their efforts and the quick response from security personnel, Shillimungweni jumped into the ocean.

The waves were strong, and despite initially grabbing a jetty pillar, Shillimungweni was swept away by the current. “The waves were too high, and he lost his grip. He tried to swim, but soon disappeared,” says Liebenberg.

Namibia Marshall Rangers lifeguard Sean Naude described the conditions as extremely dangerous.

“When we arrived, the waves were massive. We saw him struggling, but it was too risky to go in without proper support.

We later launched a rescue vessel, but the currents made it impossible to find him,” Naude says.

“Public places like the Jetty need lifeguards and rescue equipment. Simple floating devices could have made a difference in this tragic situation,” says Naude.

Liebenberg says that previous safety measures, such as life rings, had been removed due to theft.

“We used to have rescue equipment outside, but they kept getting stolen. We are committed to ensuring this doesn’t happen again, despite the cost,” he says.

Despite numerous attempts to locate Shillimungweni, no body has been recovered. Naude mentioned plans to resume the search.

“We will dive again today and hope for better conditions,” he says.

Seef Odendaal of Coastland Safety and Security Services praises the staff for their efforts.

“The restaurant staff did everything they could. They tried to talk to him and even had life jackets ready, but the ocean was too rough,” he says.