Kimberley-born Bradley Bowden, better known as Hout Bay’s legendary “Captain Birdseye”, has sadly passed away just before Christmas. Always smartly dressed in his full naval skipper’s outfit, Bradley became an iconic figure in the seaside community, charming both locals and tourists alike.
KIMBERLEY-born Bradley Bowden, better known as Hout Bay’s legendary “Captain Birdseye”, has sadly passed away just before Christmas. Always smartly dressed in his full naval skipper’s outfit, Bradley became an iconic figure in the seaside community, charming both locals and tourists.
Born and raised in Kimberley alongside his brother Gavin, Bradley’s early life included military National Service, followed by a career that took him from the arid Northern Cape to the unpredictable seas off the Cape coast.
He began working on deep-water trawlers out of Cape Town in the 1980s, starting as a deckhand and later rising to the rank of First Mate. His brother Gavin recalled: “He was a talented sailor, always a free spirit, and lived life entirely on his own terms.”
Bradley, 60, passed away after suffering a heart condition. He was found ill aboard the decommissioned naval ship SAS Oosterland, where he had lived as its self-appointed watchman for many years.
Despite the mystery surrounding whether Bradley ever served as a naval officer, his presence was undeniable. With his captain’s hat perfectly perched, he delighted tourists who flocked to photograph him on the historic vessel. Known affectionately as “Captain Birdseye” for his resemblance to the UK fish finger advert character, he would answer the nickname with a playful salute.
The SAS Oosterland, built in the UK in 1959, was sold to the Evans family in 1990 for refurbishment after its decommissioning from the South African Navy. The rebuild never materialised and with the vessel having been broken into a number of times, the family accepted Bradley’s offer to live aboard and become her watchman.
A talented musician, Bradley’s love for music was nurtured by his mother, a concert pianist. Over the years, he mastered the piano, trumpet, organ, keyboards, and guitar, often carrying his guitar as his only possession during his travels.
Gavin, who now resides in New Zealand, described his brother as “a bit of a black sheep in a nice way”. Bradley would often disappear for long periods, only to reappear unexpectedly. “He lived fully on his terms, a free spirit to the end,” said Gavin.
Gavin, 68, moved from South Africa to New Zealand in 1994, with his parents following a year later. They lost touch with Bradley but heard that he had been “somewhere in central Africa” working as a game ranger.
“That did not last long and he went back to sea on the trawlers. He then vanished again and we never heard a word from him for some 16 years until 2020,“ Gavin said.
Though Bradley’s life led him far from his Kimberley roots, his adventurous spirit and warm personality left an indelible mark wherever he went. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him as the inimitable “Captain Birdseye”.
Bradley is survived by his partner Denise and his brother Gavin, who reflect on his life with fondness and admiration for his remarkable journey.
