Harrowing new details emerge about the moment a fishing boat capsized killing two fishermen off South Australia’s Limestone Coast – as heartbroken partner breaks her silence

The grieving partner of a man who drowned when a boat capsized off the coast of a popular tourist hotspot has opened up about how the tragedy happened.

Great-grandfather Roger Walker, 82, and his best friend Victor Kent, 69, died in the fishing tragedy near Point Connor, south of Beachport, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast on Monday.

Mr Kent’s wife, Cathy, 59, was also on board when the boat capsized and the trio from the nearby town of Millicent were found unconscious on the shore.

The two men could not be resuscitated while Ms Kent was rushed to Mount Gambier Hospital where she remains in a stable condition.

Mr Walker’s shocked partner, June McIntyre, became concerned when he arrived home late from his regular early morning fishing trip.

“He’s usually home by 10.30am and he wasn’t home,” Ms McIntyre said 7 News.

The two fishermen were trying to remove a chalk pot stuck to the side of their boat.

The boat capsized when the men tried to remove the fish trap.

Police have now revealed that two on board were not wearing life jackets.

“A third person was wearing a life jacket, but I don’t really understand,” South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens told reporters.

The person who was wearing the life jacket incorrectly is said to have been one of the two men who died Adelaide Advertiser reported.

However, locals added that Ms Kent, who survived, always wore a life jacket every time she went out on the water.

“There was an issue where one of the ropes got tangled, causing the boat to capsize,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“But the full circumstances will be established and provided to the coroner.”

Ms McIntyre broke down as she paid tribute to her family-oriented partner of 26 years.

Mr Walker had six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with another on the way.

“I will love him and I will miss him, but when these things happen there is nothing you can do about it,” his partner said.

June McIntyre (pictured left) has paid an emotional tribute to long-time partner Roger Walker (pictured right)

Victor Kent’s 59-year-old wife Cathy (pictured) was also on board the ship when the boat capsized. She was rushed to hospital, where she remains in stable condition

“When these things happen, there’s nothing you can do about it. So you just have to pick yourself up and keep going.

“He was a great guy and I loved being with him.

“We all just have to love him, think of him and live on in his memory.”

Mr Walker and Mr Kent fished together for five years, going out every day when the weather permitted.

The tragedy has shocked the local community.

Local Justin Philpott didn’t see any crawfish fishing boats on the water Monday.

“It was a very windy day and none of them were out, but they are usually out there every day,” Mr Philpott told the newspaper.

“Someone from town noticed (Victor’s car) still parked on the launch beach and raised the alarm.”

Mr Walker and Mr Kent died when their boat capsized (pictured) after the two fishermen tried to remove a chalk pot stuck to the side of the small vessel

Due to the rough conditions, the capsized boat was not pulled ashore until late Monday evening.

The tragedy comes after the body of another man was found on a boat ramp in November.

Peter Martin, 77, was said to have been checking cray pots on the water at the Anxious Bay Boat ramp in Elliston, near the Eyre Peninsula, when he died.

More than 30 drownings have been reported across Australia this summer as authorities urge people to stay safe near water.