An angler is feared to have drowned after his empty vehicle was found in the sea at the Mile 72 camping area, about 40 kilometres north of Henties Bay, on Sunday morning.
The vehicle, a double-cab bakkie with an Omaruru registration number, was damaged when it was found.
Early indications suggest that the driver of the bakkie might have parked near the coastline, unaware that a rising tide would claim the vehicle.
The authorities have identified the owner of the bakkie as Robby Michael (53) of Omaruru.
Erongo police spokesperson inspector Ileni Shapumba confirmed that a missing person investigation is under way.
Shapumba said it has been reported that Michael went fishing with two friends on Saturday. His companions left him next to the ocean at around 18h00 and returned to Henties Bay.
On Sunday morning they were alerted about their friend’s disappearance, triggering concern and an ongoing search operation.
Despite searches in the surrounding area where the vehicle was found, the police have yet to find any trace of Michael.
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is also aware of the incident and has issued a warning to the public about the dangers of parking vehicles too close to the water, especially during high tide.
“At the moment, we cannot confirm whether Michael was in the car when it was taken by the tide, as no body has been retrieved,” the NWR commented to the media.
Source : NAMIBIAN
