Two men who tragically died after their boat capsized in foggy conditions have been identified as professional fishermen and much-loved locals.
The bodies of David Neave and Rodney Ingram, both 65 and from Kangaroo Island, were found in waters off the coast of Cassini after their capsized boat sparked a wide-scale search shortly after 4.15pm on Wednesday.
The two experienced sailors knew the waters well and were popular residents on the island off Australia’s south coast, The Advertiser reported.
For decades, men had fished for squid, King George whiting and snapper at the northern end of the island, which were then supplied to a seafood establishment on Kangaroo Island.
Professional fishermen are believed to have run into trouble on the water after thick fog rolled in.
The friends became concerned after seeing the reflection of the men’s overturned boat in the water. 7News reported.
After their companions called triple zero, the 4.88-metre-long boat was seen capsized in the waters around Cape Cassini late on Wednesday, and their bodies were found shortly after, near their boat.
Locals described the fog as “thick” and “like pea soup” and said it was not a common occurrence on the island, adding that the waters had been calm all day.
Rodney Ingram, 65, (pictured), went whiting fishing with his partner on Wednesday but the pair encountered thick fog.
David Neave, 65 (pictured), was also part of the Kangaroo Island football community and played for 40 seasons.
Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly described the tragedy as “a terribly sad day for Kangaroo Island”.
“Last night we experienced a tragedy after losing two very local men who were simply doing their thing,” he told reporters.
‘These men were doing what they loved, making a living as fishermen, and their loss is deeply felt by everyone on the island.
‘It’s a terrible loss, both were loved by the community, both were over 60 years old, both were professional fishermen, one of them has been fishing since he was four years old.’
Mr Neave is also believed to have played football for Kangaroo Island’s local B-grade football team, Wisanger, until he was 50, making more than 500 appearances over 40 seasons.
When police recovered the boat, they also found two life jackets that the men apparently did not use frequently.
The experienced fishermen’s boat (pictured) was found capsized with the men’s bodies off the coast of Cassini, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Police also recovered two life jackets the men were not wearing.
“I think it’s a warning to everyone, across the state and across Australia,” he said.
“If you go out in a small boat, you must wear a life jacket.”
The mayor said the professional fishermen would be “very sorry” and the community would support their families as much as it can.
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