Two men who tragically died after their boat capsized in fog turned out to be professional fishermen and beloved locals.
The bodies of David Neave and Rodney Ingram, both 65 and from Kangaroo Island, were found in the waters off Cassini after their capsized boat prompted a large-scale search at about 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
The two experienced skippers knew the waters well and were popular residents on the island off the coast of South Australia, The Advertiser reported.
The men had been fishing for squid, King George whiting and snapper on the northern side of the island for decades, delivering their catches to a tackle shop on Kangaroo Island.
It is believed that the commercial fishermen got into trouble after a thick fog formed on the water.
Friends became concerned when they saw the reflection of the men’s upturned boat on the water, 7News reported.
After their mates called 0 three times, the 16-foot-long vessel capsized Wednesday night in the waters around Cape Cassini. Their bodies were found not long after, near their boat.
Locals described the fog as “thick” and “pea soup” and said it was unusual for the island. The water had been calm all day, they added.
Rodney Ingram, 65, (pictured) went out with his partner to catch whiting on Wednesday, but the pair encountered a thick fog
David Neave, 65, (pictured) was also part of the Kangaroo Island football community, playing for 40 seasons
Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly described the tragedy as “a terribly sad day for Kangaroo Island”.
“We suffered a tragedy last night, losing two local men who were just doing their job,” he told reporters.
These men were doing what they loved most – earning a living as fishermen – and their loss is deeply felt by everyone on the island.
“It’s a terrible loss. They were both beloved in the community. They were both in their mid-60s, both professional fishermen. One of them has been fishing since he was four years old.”
Mr Neave is also said to have played football for Kangaroo Island’s local B-grade football team Wisanger into his 50s, playing over 500 games in 40 seasons.
When police found the boat, they also found two life jackets, which they said the men did not use often.
The boat of the experienced fishermen (pictured) was found capsized with the bodies of the men near the coast of Cassini, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Police also found two life jackets that the men were not wearing
“I think it’s a warning to everyone, in the state or across Australia,” he said.
‘If you are in a small boat, you must wear a life jacket.’
The mayor said the commercial fishermen will be “deeply mourned” and that the community will stand by their families and support them as much as possible.