The tragic death of Cape Town kitesurfer Graham Howes has been attributed to a whale strike, according to autopsy reports released four weeks after the incident. Howes, 37, was kitesurfing off Eden on the Bay on September 7th when the fatal collision occurred.
Details Emerge from Kitesurfing Group's Statement
Dirty Habits, Howes' kitesurfing group, released a detailed statement confirming the cause of death. Three separate autopsies and a comprehensive recovery operation revealed that Howes was struck by a whale with immense force while kitesurfing near a pod of whales. The impact, estimated at over a ton, rendered him unconscious instantly, leading to what investigators described as a peaceful drowning.
"This conclusion is consistent across all findings," the group stated. "The snapped lines, his damaged board, the unreleased safety, the final camera footage, and the recovery positions of all the pieces—and of Graham himself—out on the ocean. Every detail points to the same truth."
Independent Autopsies Confirm the Findings
The independent autopsies were conducted to confirm the cause of death and put an end to weeks of speculation and uncertainty following the accident. The tragic incident has deeply affected the local and international kitesurfing community.
Howes went missing while kitesurfing alone off the Cape Town coast on the afternoon of September 7th. When he failed to return, a search and rescue operation was launched. His body and equipment were later recovered, but the initial cause of death remained unclear until the autopsy results were released.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of marine life encounters in open waters. Kitesurfers and other water sports enthusiasts are urged to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, particularly in areas known to be frequented by whales and other marine animals.