Two fishermen have died after a commercial fishing boat capsized at the harbour entrance in the Kowie River Mouth in Port Alfred.
The NSRI said two people survived the Saturday morning tragedy.
NSRI Port Alfred spokesperson, Keryn van der Walt, said the 26 foot vessel, Butt-Cat Hawaii, had washed up on the sand bank in a strong rip current.
She said the body of one man was found on the beach while the second victim was found floating about 50m off shore.
Police have opened inquest dockets in the case.
Van Der Walt said they activated their sea rescue craft Rescue 11 Alpha shortly after 6am.
“On arrival on the scene the 26 foot Butt-Cat Hawaii, a commercial fishing boat, was found capsized and washed onto a sand bank in a strong rip current in the outgoing Spring Tide in 3 to 4 meter swells,” she said
She said two male survivors, one the skipper of the boat, were found safe on the beach and “sadly one deceased adult male was located on the beach.”
Van Der Walt said a search was launched after it was confirmed that four people were on board.
“During an extensive search operation the NSRI crew aboard the sea rescue craft spotted the 4th adult man found floating semi-submerged in the water 50 meters off-shore wearing a life-jacket,” she said.
Van Der Walt said all the men were from Port Alfred.
