Tragedy Strikes Off South Australia Coast: One Fisherman Dead, Another Feared Lost at Sea
- Fisherman Ian Matheson, 67, found dead in waters off Cape Jaffa, 316km south of Adelaide
- His best friend Garry, also a fisherman, remains missing, sparking a desperate search effort
- Drowning deaths among Australians over 65 surge by 48 per cent, with multiple incidents reported in recent weeks
In a devastating turn of events, a fishing trip turned deadly for two mates off the coast of South Australia, leaving one man dead and another feared lost at sea. Ian Matheson, 67, from Victoria, and his best friend Garry had set out to collect cray pots off Cape Jaffa on Tuesday. But when they failed to return by 4 pm, a frantic search operation was launched, involving police, Water Operations Police, SES, and PolAir.
The grim discovery was made on Tuesday night, with Matheson’s body found in the water. The search for Garry continued late into the night, but he remains missing, with the operation set to resume on Wednesday morning.
The tragedy comes as new statistics reveal a shocking 48 per cent spike in drowning deaths among Australians over 65. Just last month, a man drowned after being caught in a rip at a beach in Crescent Head, NSW, while another man died after being pulled from a tidal swimming pool in Sydney Harbour.
In a heartbreaking development, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the ocean, and the importance of water safety. As the search for Garry continues, the community is left to mourn the loss of Ian Matheson, a seasoned fisherman who lost his life doing what he loved.
