NSRI to Launch Spirit of Graham Howes Rescue Vessel in His Family's Honour

• The family of kitesurfer Graham Howes, who died in a freak whale encounter in September 2025, launched a fundraising campaign to honour his memory
• R200,000 has been raised so far, with a BackaBuddy campaign targeting a further R600,000 toward the broader initiative
• Gemini Marine is currently building the 5.5-metre RHIB, with a blessing ceremony planned for late November 2026

A rescue vessel bearing the name of kitesurfer Graham Howes is taking shape at the Gemini Marine factory, with the craft set to join the National Sea Rescue Institute's fleet at Station 16 Strandfontein.

Howes, a world-class kiteboarder widely respected in the international extreme-sports community, died on 7 September 2025 after a freak accident involving a whale off the coast of Bloubergstrand. His body was recovered the following day following an extensive search involving NSRI crews and multiple other resources.

A family turned grief into purpose

The NSRI's response during those difficult hours made a lasting impression on the Howes family. When the family launched a fundraising campaign in November 2025, Howes' mother, Gerry, was direct about what the rescue organisation had meant to them.

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"We couldn't have got through that night without the NSRI," she said.

His father, Richard, who now lives in Portugal, echoed those sentiments. That gratitude became the foundation for a plan to fund a rescue vessel in Graham's name.

Spirit of Graham Howes takes shape

NSRI Head of Fundraising Alison Smith confirmed that R200,000 has been raised to date. A BackaBuddy campaign is running alongside the effort, targeting a further R600,000 for the wider initiative.

The 5.5-metre rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), named Spirit of Graham Howes, is currently being built by NSRI strategic partner Gemini Marine. Smith noted that Gemini Marine also donated the hull of the vessel. Completion is expected in October 2026, with a blessing ceremony scheduled for the end of November to coincide with Richard's visit to South Africa.

Richard said having a rescue craft named after Graham would be deeply meaningful, adding that it would be special to know Graham's legacy continued through a boat helping people in distress at sea.

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Gerry shared the sentiment, saying Graham had the same passion for the NSRI. He said having an NSRI boat named in Graham's memory would give the family comfort in knowing that Graham continued to have a presence in the world.

Smith confirmed that Spirit of Graham Howes is intended to be only the beginning.

"After this vessel has been delivered, the family intends that fundraising efforts will continue in perpetuity to fund future vessels in Graham's honour," she said.

Source: Briefly News