A large-scale air, sea, and shoreline search effort entered its second day on Monday as authorities and volunteers continue to search for missing kite-boarder Graham Howes who failed to return from a Sunday afternoon kite-boarding session off the coast of Eden on the Bay, Bloubergstrand.
Howes, 38, a well-known and experienced kite-boarder from the Blouberg community, was last seen at approximately 13:00 on Sunday wearing a black wetsuit and riding a blue and black kite-board with a white kite sail bearing red writing.
Duty drew activated
When he did not return by late afternoon as expected, his family contacted authorities.
At 19:59, the NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated.
Rescue efforts began with the launch of the NSRI vessel Rotary’s Gift and shoreline patrols.
Additional support was mobilised swiftly:
- NSRI Table Bay launched the vessels DHL Deliverer and Spirit of Day
- NSRI Yzerfontein deployed Spirit of DHL II and a quad-bike for shoreline searches
- Metro Rescue EMS drone teams conducted aerial infrared sweeps
- SAPS responded and opened a formal missing persons investigation
- Local security camera footage confirmed a sighting of Howes offshore after 13:00 on Sunday
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Telkom Maritime Radio Services continue to assist, with marine VHF alerts issued to vessels in the region.
The City of Cape Town’s water rescue teams, Police Diving Services, and environmental officers at Robben Island have also been placed on alert.
The search area – based on wind, sea current, and weather conditions – extends from Eden on the Bay northwest toward Robben Island, Bokpunt, Yzerfontein, and Dassen Island.
Remain vigilant
The local kite-boarding community, neighbourhood watch groups, and coastal residents are actively participating in the search.
Authorities are urging fishing vessels, private boats, and all maritime traffic in the area to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
Despite extensive overnight efforts, Graham Howes remains missing, and all possibilities are being considered in the ongoing operation.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating Graham Howes is urged to contact Craig Lambinon – NSRI Communications on +27 82 380 3800.
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