The search for missing Bloubergstrand kite surfer Graham Howes (38) came to an end on Monday 8 September, when his body was recovered at sea following extensive air, land and sea operations.
Howes went missing on Sunday afternoon after launching from Eden on the Bay. He was last seen around 13:00 on a blue and black kite-board with a white kite sail carrying red writing, wearing a black wetsuit. When he failed to return by late afternoon his family raised the alarm.
Body recovered at sea
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the kite-surf sail and board were first located and recovered at sea on Monday morning. Later that day the crew of a local motor yacht, which had also joined the search, located and recovered Howes’ body in the designated search area north-west of Bloubergstrand towards Dassen Island.
The body was taken into the care of the police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
Extensive search operation
The search, which began on Sunday evening, involved a wide network of emergency services, rescue agencies and volunteers. NSRI Melkbosstrand, NSRI Table Bay, NSRI Yzerfontein, Metro Rescue drone units, Water Policing and Diving Services, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), and Telkom Maritime Radio Services were among those involved.
Shoreline patrols were also conducted with the assistance of quad bikes, drones and neighbourhood-watch groups, while fishing vessels, sailing boats and private yachts joined in the sea search.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon commended the community’s role in supporting the efforts: “Family, friends, coast watchers, neighbourhood-watch groups and the local kite-boarding community assisted tirelessly with shoreline searches. We commend the extensive efforts by all involved that helped bring closure for the family.”
Family requests privacy
Howes’ family has asked for privacy at this difficult time.
As TygerBurger previously reported, an extensive sea, air and shoreline search had been underway since Sunday evening after Howes was reported missing.
His disappearance marked the third missing-person case in recent weeks, with a man and teenager still at large in separate incidents.
Authorities have again urged the public and maritime community to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist in ongoing search operations along the West Coast.
