Woman survives suicide attempt

IF it had not been for two Swakopmund residents walking along the Vineta beach on Wednesday evening, a young woman likely would have died of hypothermia after what is believed to have been a failed suicide attempt.

At around 17h30, a man walking home from work noticed a pair of sandals, a notebook and a mobile phone on a park bench. At the same time a jogger, coming from the opposite direction, saw a young woman lying face down on the high-water mark.Her clothes were drenched and she was shivering, but she was unresponsive. The first passer-by covered her with his coat to keep her warm.International SOS was called, and were at the scene within five minutes to take the woman to hospital.A note written in Oshiwambo was found in the back of the woman’s notebook, and when it was translated it turned out to be a suicide note.It is unknown how long the woman had been in the sea or lying on the beach.According to paramedics, the woman probably would have died of hypothermia if she had not been found. The next high tide could also have swept her body out to sea again.’Usually I drive home or catch a lift, and if I walk, I normally walk along Strand Street. This time I decided to walk along the beach. It was as if the Lord wanted me to find this woman so she can have a second chance at life,’ the first passer-by said.

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