Graham Howes’ legacy lives on through new NSRI rescue vessel

After Graham Howes’ family set out to honour his memory by helping the NSRI save lives at sea, their vision is becoming a reality.

Enough has now been raised to fund Spirit of Graham Howes, a 5.5-metre rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that will join the NSRI fleet at Station 16 Strandfontein, creating a lasting connection between Howes’ love of the ocean and the rescuers who serve those who venture onto it.

READ | Hundreds pay tribute in paddle out for kite surfer Graham Howes

From Heartbreak to a Lasting Legacy

Howes, a world-class kiteboarder and much-loved figure in the international extreme-sports community, died  on 7 September 2025.

His body was found the following day after an extensive search involving NSRI crews and numerous other resources.

For his family, the NSRI’s response during those devastating hours left a lasting impression.

“We couldn’t have got through that night without the NSRI,” his mother, Gerry, said when the family launched the fundraising campaign in November 2025.

His father, Richard, recalled the comfort of knowing rescue crews were searching through difficult 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.”

That experience inspired the family to turn their loss into something that could help others. They began raising funds for an NSRI rescue vessel bearing Graham Howes’ name.

NSRI Head of Fundraising Alison Smith says R200 000 has been raised to date, while a BackaBuddy campaign aims to raise a further R600 000 towards the wider initiative.

Spirit of Graham Howes 1 Takes Shape

The first tangible result is Spirit of Graham Howes, which the NSRI strategic partner, Gemini Marine, is currently building.

“Gemini Marine has also donated the hull of the vessel,” says Alison.

The 5.5-metre RHIB is expected to be completed in October 2026. A blessing ceremony is planned for the end of November, when Richard, who lives in Portugal, will be in South Africa.

For the Howes family, seeing a rescue craft take to the water in Graham’s name carries profound meaning.

“To have a rescue craft named after Graham would be amazing,” Richard said at the launch of the campaign.

“Knowing that Graham continues to sail the sea, helping people in distress.”

It is a sentiment shared by Gerry.

“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. Just to know that Graham still has a presence in this world.”

The First of More to Come

Importantly, Spirit of Graham Howes is not intended to be the end of the journey.

“After this vessel has been delivered, it is the family’s intention that fundraising efforts will continue in perpetuity to fund future vessels in Graham’s honour,” says Alison.

It is a fitting legacy for someone whose life was so closely connected to the ocean, a rescue craft carrying his name, heading out onto the water not simply in remembrance, but with a purpose,to help bring others safely home.

Click here for more information or to donate in honour of Graham Howes.