Three experienced fishermen from Coleambally in NSW have died in a boating tragedy off South Australia's Limestone Coast, following what police say was a preventable accident that unfolded despite clear local warnings.
Les DeMamiel, 74, Russell Fisher, 67, and John McKenzie, 65, set out on a fishing trip early Sunday morning from Beachport, a small coastal town roughly 300 kilometres south-east of Adelaide. The alarm was raised about 2:30pm when they failed to return to shore. Their seven-metre Bar Crusher boat, which belonged to the son of one of the men, capsized in waters off the Beachport boat ramp.
An eight-hour search and rescue operation involving PolAir, the State Emergency Service, local boaties, drones, and water police culminated in the recovery of all three bodies late Sunday night. According to 7News reporting, none of the men were wearing lifejackets when they were found.
South Australia Police Superintendent Trent Cox identified a critical failure in decision-making. "If the locals are saying don't go out, then there is probably a very good reason for it," Cox said. Police understand the trio had met at a pub the night before and set out around 7am on Sunday, apparently unheeding of cautions from Beachport residents about treacherous water conditions.
One complication emerged during the investigation: Russell Fisher had suffered a spinal injury several years earlier and was unable to swim. The circumstances that led to the boat's capsize remain under investigation as police prepare a report for the coroner.
Dorothy Hill, a Beachport resident and longtime friend of DeMamiel, reflected on the men's passion for fishing and their character. "They actually died doing what they absolutely loved," Hill told 7News, her voice breaking as she described them as "beautiful people." DeMamiel had made the trip to Beachport about twice a year to fish with friends and family, she said.
The recovery of the boat and debris scattered along the beach has been completed, with police urging members of the public not to collect any items from the shoreline. Any remaining debris could form crucial evidence in determining the precise cause of the capsize.