Belgian man charged after failed Auckland base jump
Wednesday 21 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 8 reports · updated In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Auckland District Court
A 22-year-old Belgian national will appear in court following a botched base jump from Hotel Indigo on Albert Street. Firefighters rescued the man from 23 floors up after a parachute malfunction, causing $20,000 in damage to a glass panel. He has been charged with burglary following two alleged base jumping incidents.
Key facts
4 facts
- A 22-year-old Belgian national was charged with burglary following a base jump in Auckland
- The rescue occurred at Hotel Indigo on Albert Street around 10.45pm on a Tuesday
- A glass panel worth approximately $20,000 was broken during the rescue
- The man is due in Auckland District Court on 27 October
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
A 22-year-old Belgian national has been charged with burglary after a base jump from a central Auckland hotel went wrong on Tuesday night. The man became stranded on the exterior of the Hotel Indigo on Albert Street, approximately 23 floors up. Firefighters had to smash a glass panel worth about $20,000 to reach him and pull him into a room.
The jumper stated that his parachute spun and crashed into the building upon opening. He explained that the parachute became caught on a metal bar on the facade because the building was not smooth. The man, who is identified on social media as “iliesnec”, said, "Unfortunately, yesterday’s jump did not go as planned".
Police allege the man is the same individual who filmed himself leaping from the unfinished 187m Seascape tower in September. Inspector Grae Anderson described the behaviour as reckless, noting it posed risks to the jumper and people on the ground. The man is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on 27 October.
Emergency services, including police, St John, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, responded to the scene around 10.45pm. Although the man sustained minor injuries, he did not require transportation to a hospital. The rescue operation caused disruption to hotel guests.
How it developed
- Wed 21 Oct, 10:28amA shift manager reported the man jumped from the 27th floor and appeared stuck between the 20th and 25th storeys.
Where reports differ
- Reports vary on the exact floor where the man was stranded, with some citing the 23rd floor and others suggesting he was between the 20th and 25th floors
Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, Otago Daily Times and Stuff.
