Tragic Boating Accident Claims Lives of Three Experienced Fishermen
A close friend has paid a heartfelt tribute to three experienced fishermen who lost their lives in a devastating boating tragedy off the coast of South Australia. The victims, identified as Les DeMamiel, 74, Russell Fisher, 67, and John McKenzie, 65, were all from Coleambally in New South Wales. They were on a fishing trip during a holiday on South Australia's Limestone Coast when they went missing around 2:30 pm on Sunday.
Following an extensive eight-hour search operation, their bodies were recovered late Sunday night from the waters near the Beachport boat ramp. Superintendent Trent Cox confirmed that none of the men were wearing lifejackets at the time they were found. He also revealed that the trio had disregarded warnings from local residents about the perilous water conditions in the area.
Ignored Safety Warnings and Local Advice
According to Superintendent Cox, the fishermen had been advised by locals not to venture out due to the dangerous sea state. "If the locals are saying don't go out, then there is probably a very good reason for it," Cox stated, emphasizing the importance of heeding such warnings. The men had reportedly met at a pub on Saturday night before setting off early on Sunday morning around 7 am, looking forward to their fishing excursion.
Dorothy Hill, a longtime friend of Les DeMamiel and a Beachport resident, shared her grief with 7NEWS. "I'm so sorry you've lost some beautiful lives there," Hill said, struggling to hold back tears. "Just the most beautiful people." She described DeMamiel as someone who would regularly bring friends and family to Beachport about twice a year, adding, "They actually died doing what they absolutely loved."
Investigation Underway and Safety Concerns
Authorities have since salvaged the seven-metre Bar Crusher boat involved in the incident, along with debris scattered along the beach near Beachport. Superintendent Cox noted that the boat belonged to the son of one of the deceased men. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact cause of the boat overturning, with police launching a formal investigation into the deaths.
In a concerning detail, it is understood that Russell Fisher had suffered a spinal injury several years ago, which left him unable to swim. This adds to the tragedy, as Cox remarked, "It's a tragic end to what should have been a pretty standard trip for these gentlemen." Police are appealing to the public not to collect any debris from the beach, as it could be crucial evidence in their ongoing investigation.
The community is left mourning the loss of these three men, whose passion for fishing ended in such a heartbreaking manner. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and adhering to local advisories, especially in unpredictable marine environments.
