Namibia Maritime Museum Honours Seafarers, Celebrates Nation’s First Female Trawler Captain

Namibia Maritime Museum Honours Seafarers, Celebrates Nation’s First Female Trawler Captain. The Namibia Maritime Museum marked the International Day of the Seafarer on 25 June with a special tribute to the men and women who work at sea, highlighting the inspiring story of Nelago Kwedhi, Namibia’s first female trawler captain.

Kwedhi’s remarkable journey began in a small village in northern Namibia, far from the coast. Driven by determination, she crossed the desert to Lüderitz and pursued a maritime career that would later make national history. In 2010, she became the first Namibian woman to earn the title of ship captain, taking command of Kanus, a trawler operating along Namibia’s southern coastline.

Her achievements are featured in the award-winning documentary The City Born from the Sea, which tells the broader story of Lüderitz and its transformation into a vibrant town through the growth of the fishing industry. The film also reflects the impact of Grupo Nueva Pescanova, which revitalised the region’s economy nearly three decades ago.

At the commemorative event, the Museum applauded Kwedhi’s perseverance and her role in inspiring future generations. “Her story reflects progress and the power of dreams realised,” the Museum said. “It is a strong reminder of the vital contributions seafarers make to industries, communities, and national development.”

The Museum encouraged the public to explore more maritime stories by visiting its exhibitions in Lüderitz. Tickets are available online at webtickets.com.na/maritimemuseum. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30, and on Saturdays and public holidays from 09:30 to 13:30.