Graham Howes’ Legacy Lives On Through New NSRI Rescue Vessel

Photo Credit: NSRI

The vessel will honour the late kiteboarder’s connection to the ocean while helping rescue crews respond to people in distress.

Cape Town, South Africa (15 October 2026) – A new rescue boat bearing the name of the much-loved kiteboarder Graham Howes is being built for Strandfontein, turning his family’s experience of the NSRI’s search efforts into a lasting tribute that could help save lives at sea.

A new rescue vessel is taking shape in honour of Graham Howes, whose family hopes his name will continue to be associated with the ocean he loved and the lives that can be saved on it.

The 5.5-metre rigid-hull inflatable boat, named Spirit of Graham Howes, is being built by Gemini Marine for the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Station 16 in Strandfontein. The vessel is expected to be completed in October, with a blessing ceremony planned for the end of November.

For Graham’s family, the project has its roots in a deeply painful experience. The world-class kiteboarder died on 7 September 2025, and his body was found the following day after an extensive search involving NSRI crews and other resources.

The efforts of the rescue teams during those difficult hours left a lasting impression on his parents, Gerry and Richard Howes.

“We couldn’t have got through that night without the NSRI,” Gerry said when the family launched its fundraising campaign in November last year.

Richard also spoke about the reassurance the search teams provided while working in challenging conditions.

“To know that the NSRI was out there was the best feeling,” he said. “People with passion who risk their lives every time they answer the call for help, in all weather, day and night.”

Their experience inspired them to support the organisation by raising funds for a rescue vessel in Graham’s name.

The first boat is now becoming a reality, with NSRI head of fundraising Alison Smith confirming that R200,000 has been raised so far. Gemini Marine, an NSRI strategic partner, has also donated the vessel’s hull.

A BackaBuddy campaign is seeking to raise a further R600,000 towards the wider initiative.

For Richard, the thought of a rescue boat carrying his son’s name out to sea is especially meaningful.

“Knowing that Graham continues to sail the sea, helping people in distress,” he said, describing what the vessel would mean to the family.

Gerry shared that sentiment, saying Graham’s love of the ocean made the tribute particularly fitting.

The family’s plans also extend beyond this first vessel. According to Smith, it intends to continue fundraising in Graham’s honour after the boat has been delivered, with the aim of supporting future rescue vessels.

Once completed, Spirit of Graham Howes will join the NSRI fleet at Strandfontein, carrying a name that means a great deal to the people who loved him.

It will also serve a practical purpose: heading out when people are in danger at sea, helping rescue crews reach those who need them and giving more families the chance to bring their loved ones home safely.