The body of kiteboarder Graham Howes was recovered at sea on Monday following extensive multi-agency search efforts after he went missing while kiteboarding off Eden on the Bay, Bloubergstrand, on Sunday afternoon.
Graham Howes/Facebook
Howes, who had last been seen at around 1pm on Sunday, was reported missing when he failed to return from his kiteboarding session later that afternoon. At 7:59pm, the NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated after family members raised the alarm.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with the NSRI deploying several rescue craft, while shoreline patrols and aerial searches were carried out. The search area stretched northwest of Bloubergstrand towards Dassen Island.
On Monday morning, Howes’s kite and board were located and retrieved at sea. Later in the day, the crew of a local motor yacht — which had joined the large-scale search — discovered his body in the same area. His remains were taken into the care of the SA Police Service and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
The rescue effort involved multiple agencies and resources from both the private and public sector, including air, land, and sea operations. A WC Government Health EMS Metro Rescue drone unit also assisted with infrared aerial searches.
The NSRI commended the extraordinary commitment shown by all involved, noting that the combined efforts provided the family with much-needed closure.
Howes’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Source: NSRI
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