The legacy of late Captain Carlo Gordon was permanently etched into the streets of Walvis Bay on Wednesday, when Carlo Gordon Street was officially unveiled in Wakuna Extension 16/17, Kuisebmond.
The naming follows approval by the Council of the Municipality of Walvis Bay after a request from Wakuna Investment to honour the late skipper, who lost his life at sea six years ago. Family members and representatives from Wakuna Investment gathered for the emotional ceremony. Among them was Gordon’s brother, former Walvis Bay town councillor Ryan Gordon, who described the occasion as both painful and uplifting.
Captain Gordon was at the helm of the hake trawler Resplendent, operated by Hangana Seafood, a subsidiary of Ohlthaver & List Group, when tragedy struck on 18 February 2020. The vessel departed from Walvis Bay on 17 February at 19:00 with 27 crew members, including the late Gordon, on board.
After reaching the fishing grounds at approximately 07:00 the following morning, the crew began trawling operations. At around 12:30 Gordon was alerted to sudden seawater flooding into the vessel. He immediately ordered emergency measures and aborted fishing activities. As the situation deteriorated, Gordon focused on ensuring the safe evacuation of his crew. Twenty-six crew members survived the incident.
Gordon, however, went down with the vessel in the Atlantic Ocean and remains missing at sea. For the Gordon family, the anniversary of the tragedy remains a difficult reminder of their loss. They have previously expressed disappointment over efforts to locate his remains and continue to grapple with the reality of his absence.
“Six years later, it still feels unreal,” Ryan said. “Carlo was not only a captain; he was a son, a brother and a friend. He always put others first. Seeing his name on this street means that his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.” He added that the occasion is bittersweet. “While we remember the pain of losing Carlo, we also celebrate his courage and his sacrifice. Having a street in his name here in Walvis Bay ensures that his legacy will live on and continue to inspire future generations. As long as this street stands, people will ask who he was, and they will learn about a captain who chose his crew over himself,” Ryan said. Speaking on behalf of Wakuna Investment, Hileni Lucas said the company felt compelled to honour a man who embodied the highest traditions of seamanship. “Captain Carlo Gordon demonstrated extraordinary courage when he ensured the safety of his crew during the maritime emergency,” Lucas remarked. “True to his duty, he remained committed until the very end. Naming this street after him is not only about remembrance, but about recognising integrity, responsibility and selflessness.” She added that Walvis Bay’s identity is deeply rooted in the ocean.
“As a coastal town with a proud maritime heritage, we understand the risks our seafarers take daily. It is therefore fitting that Captain Gordon is honoured in this meaningful way within our community,” Lucas concluded. Many residents echoed similar sentiments, describing Gordon as a quiet but determined leader whose decisive actions saved lives. He is remembered for his selfless actions on that day, ensuring the safety of virtually all crew members before the vessel went down. The newly christened Carlo Gordon Street now stands as a permanent reminder of a man whose commitment to others exemplified courage and integrity. Despite the pain, the unveiling marks a moment of pride for the Gordon family and the broader community.
With the unveiling complete, Carlo Gordon Street serves as a lasting tribute to a man remembered not only for how he died, but for how he lived, with courage, humility and unwavering dedication to others.
His body was never recovered, and years later, the official report on what happened that day has yet to be released.
By Rudi Bowe
