Massive search grid set up as rescue teams continue search for Graham Howes
Graham Howes remains missing after he went out to kite-surf on Sunday.
Image: Facebook/NSRI/IOL Graphics
A massive search grid has been set up and rescue teams continue to search for missing kite-boarder, Graham Howes.
The 38-year-old was last seen kite-boarding offshore of Eden on the Bay in Bloubergstrand, on Sunday. Unconfirmed reports claim that rescuers have found his kite almost 10 metres from Robben Island.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said Howes, aged 38, was last seen on a blue and black kite-board with a white kite sail with red writing. He was wearing a black wet suit at the time.
"Graham was last seen at around 1pm on Sunday afternoon. He failed to return later that day and the NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated just before 8pm on Sunday night," Lambinon said.
A photograph taken from Graham Howes's Facebook page
Image: Facebook/Graham Howes
He said teams conducted patrols along the shoreline while the NSRI Table Bay and NSRI Yzerfontein teams conducted searches via rescue crafts and quad-bikes.
"Family and friends as well as the Blouberg and Melkbosstrand coast waters, members of kite-surfing community and neighbourhood watch groups also joined in the search," Lambinon said.
"The Western Cape Government Health emergency teams conducted aerial searches and Telkom Maritime Radio Services are continuing to broadcast a marine VHF radio alert to all ships.
Search grids have also been set up to indicate a search area to extend out to sea between Bloubergstrand and Robben Island and beyond Bokpunt, and passed the area between Dassen Island and Yzerfontein.
Lambinon described Howes as "an accomplished kite-boarder."
The search continues.
IOL