Bloubergstrand– A major search operation continued into the early hours of Monday for 38-year-old kite-boarder Graham Howes from Bloubergstrand, who went missing at sea on Sunday afternoon.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Melkbosstrand station commander, Peter Owen, confirmed that crews were activated at 19:59 on Sunday.
“Family raised the alarm when Graham failed to return from his afternoon kite-boarding session. He was last seen at around 1pm offshore of Eden on the Bay,” Owen said.
“He is an accomplished kite-boarder, and despite extensive sea, air and shoreline searches through the night, he remains missing.”
Howes was last seen on a blue and black kite-board with a white kite sail featuring red writing, wearing a black wetsuit.
Multiple NSRI rescue craft were deployed, including Rotary’s Gift, DHL Deliverer and Spirit of Day, while NSRI Yzerfontein dispatched a quad-bike shoreline search and launched the Spirit of DHL II. A Western Cape Government Health EMS Metro Rescue drone unit was also used in aerial infrared sweeps.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie said the South African Police Service has opened an inquiry.
“We are working closely with the NSRI and other agencies,” he said. “At this stage, all possibilities are being investigated.”
The search has mobilised a wide network of organisations. According to the NSRI, the CoCT Water Rescue Network, Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services), Police Sea Borderline Control, CoCT Law Enforcement, DFFE environmental officers at Robben Island, MRCC, and TNPA Port Control are all on alert. Telkom Maritime Radio Services continues to broadcast a marine VHF radio all-ships alert.
Community members have also joined the effort.
“Family, friends, coast watchers and the local kite-boarding community are helping wherever possible,” Owen said.
“We are appealing to the public, especially the fishing and sailing community between Blouberg and Dassen Island, to keep a sharp lookout for any sign of Graham.”
Search grids, taking into account weather, wind and sea currents, extend from Eden on the Bay in a north-west direction towards Robben Island, past Bokpunt, and as far as Yzerfontein and Dassen Island.
Local security camera footage shows Howes kite-boarding after 13:00 on Sunday offshore of Eden on the Bay, confirming the last known sighting.
“We urge anyone with information or possible sightings to contact authorities immediately,” Owen added.
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Picture: NSRI
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
