Graham Howes' family launches fundraising campaign for NSRI rescue boat in his memory

The family of late internationally renowned kiteboarder Graham Howes has announced a fundraising campaign to build a new National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescue boat to be named in his memory.

The announcement coincides with the start of the Red Bull King of the Air competition at Kite Beach, Blouberg, the world’s premier big-air kiteboarding event. With kiteboarding athletes and fans from across the globe descending on Cape Town, the Howes family hopes to channel the shared spirit of ocean adventure into support for this life-saving initiative.

“He had the same passion as the NSRI, so it would be great if there were a boat in Graham's memory that belongs to the NSRI,” said his mother, Gerry Howes. “Just to know that Graham still has a presence in this world.”

Howes was killed in a tragic incident involving a whale off Bloubergstrand on September 7.

The 38-year-old’s death was described as a freak accident following an extensive investigation that included three independent autopsies.

Authorities concluded that Howes had kited out to a pod of whales when he was struck by one of the massive creatures with a force exceeding a ton. The impact rendered him unconscious instantly, leading to his drowning.

When he tragically lost his life at sea doing what he loved most, the global kiteboarding and extreme sports communities responded with an outpouring of grief and love.

“When people speak of Graham, the words that come up again and again are life, energy, and kindness. He had a rare gift. Whoever he was with felt seen, cared for, and valued,” said his father, Richard Howes.

The NSRI’s Station 18 in Melkbosstrand launched an immediate and sustained search when Howes went missing. For the family, that effort became a source of strength.

“I just remember how grateful I was that everything possible was being done to find my brother,” said Howes’s brother, Craig. “While it’s obviously not the result we were hoping for, I’m really glad we found him. You get a level of closure. It's the spirit that embodied my brother, helping people. That’s what NSRI is.”

The Graham Howes Rescue Craft will be built as part of the NSRI’s ongoing rescue fleet expansion. 

“To have a rescue craft named after Graham would be amazing. Knowing Graham continues to sail the sea, helping others in distress,” said Richard. 

“You’re not actually donating for Graham. You’re donating for anyone else, your family, a friend, or even yourself. One day, you might need a rescue boat,” Craig added.

To support the fundraiser or for visit: www.nsri.org.za/support-us/grahamhowes

Cape Times