Rescue teams are tirelessly searching for Graham Howes, a 38-year-old kite-surfer who went missing while kite-surfing off Eden on the Bay in Bloubergstrand on Sunday. Authorities have set up a massive search grid to locate the experienced kite-surfer, with efforts extending from Bloubergstrand to Robben Island and beyond.
What Happened to Graham Howes?
Graham Howes was last spotted kite-surfing around 1 PM on Sunday. He was riding a blue and black kite-board with a white kite sail featuring red writing and wore a black wetsuit. When he didn’t return, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) launched a search operation just before 8 PM that evening. Unconfirmed reports suggest rescuers found his kite approximately 10 meters from Robben Island, raising hopes and intensifying the search.
Search Efforts Intensify
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon shared that teams from NSRI Melkbosstrand, Table Bay, and Yzerfontein are combing the area. They’re using rescue crafts and quad-bikes to patrol the shoreline and waters. Local communities, including family, friends, the kite-surfing community, and neighbourhood watch groups, have joined the effort, showing incredible support.
Western Cape Government Health emergency teams are conducting aerial searches, while Telkom Maritime Radio Services is broadcasting alerts to ships in the region. The search grid covers a vast area, stretching from Bloubergstrand to Robben Island, past Bokpunt, and between Dassen Island and Yzerfontein.
Who is Graham Howes?
Described as an “accomplished kite-surfer,” Graham Howes is well-known in the kite-surfing community. His disappearance has sparked concern, and the community is rallying to bring him home safely.
How You Can Help
The search for Graham Howes continues, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the NSRI or local police. Stay updated on this developing story as rescue teams work around the clock to find the missing kite-surfer.
