Port Lincoln, South Australia: Uni professor and son survive after three killed ... trends now
A fisherman who was one of three killed when their boat capsized off the coast of South Australia had beaten cancer twice, his shattered loved ones have revealed - as a top academic and his son survived the horror fishing trip.
Five people were onboard the ill-fated boat when it capsized at about 4pm on Monday, near Spilsby Island off Port Lincoln.
Flinders University Professor Danny Eckert, 44, and his 12-year-old son were found clinging to a reef at about 2am on Tuesday.
The pair were winched to safety after spending more than 10 hours in freezing waters and taken to Port Lincoln Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Tragically, they were the only survivors, with Danny's father Paul, 73, brother Tom, 40, and Paul's close friend and captain Alan Bottrill, 71, all killed when their 6.2-metre boat was struck by a freak wave.
Alan Bottrill, 71, was among three fishermen killed when their boat capsized off the coast of South Australia on Monday afternoon
The bodies of Tom Eckert (left), his father Paul Eckert (right) and Mr Bottrill were found in the water by emergency crews on Tuesday
Mr Bottrill's wife Pamela and their children Rónán and Amélie said in a statement the 71-year-old had battled cancer twice.
'Alan was 71 years old and still very much an adventurer who loved fishing, golfing and travelling with friends and family,' the statement read.
'He leaves behind a wife, two children and two grandchildren who will miss him very much.'
Ms Bottrill said her husband was an experienced fisherman, who 'never' imagined he'd be killed doing the hobby he loves.
She said the group had taken off in 'calm seas' on
