Search for Missing Blouberg Kite Surfer Graham Howes Enters Critical Phase

Search for Missing Blouberg Kite Surfer Graham Howes Enters Critical Phase

The mood along the Bloubergstrand shoreline is one of determined anxiety as a large-scale search operation continues for 38-year-old local kite surfer, Graham Howes. The experienced water sports enthusiast failed to return home from an afternoon session on the water this past Sunday, prompting a major multi-agency response.

Howes, a resident of Bloubergstrand, was last seen on camera footage obtained by local security. The footage shows him in the water offshore of Eden on the Bay at approximately 1 pm. He was identifiable on a blue and black kiteboard, with a white kite sail featuring red writing, and was wearing a black wetsuit.

A Massive Maritime Search Underway

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Melkbosstrand duty crew was immediately activated upon receiving the report. They launched their rescue craft, Rotary’s Gift, to initiate a search, while other team members began scouring the shoreline.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed that Howes is an “accomplished kite-boarder,” making his disappearance all the more concerning. Multiple rescue teams are now involved, employing sophisticated search patterns to cover a vast area of ocean.

“The teams are working with search grids, taking into account weather, wind and sea currents,” Lambinon explained.

An Appeal to the Maritime Community

The official search area is extensive, reflecting the powerful currents and winds typical of the Table Bay area. The search is focused out to sea from Eden on the Bay in a north-west direction between Bloubergstrand and Robben Island, and further out past Bokpunt towards the vicinity between Yzerfontein and Dassen Island.

Given the challenging scale of the operation, authorities are making a heartfelt appeal for public assistance. They are urgently asking the local maritime community including fishermen, sailors, and private boaters along the West Coast towards Dassen Island and beyond to keep a sharp lookout for any sign of Howes or his distinctive blue and black board and white-and-red kite.

Every pair of eyes on the water could make the difference in bringing this search to a resolution and providing answers for his worried family and community.

{Source: IOL}

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