Two fishermen have drowned in Lamberts Bay after the boat they were travelling in capsized at Grootvlei early Friday morning.

According to the Nasional Sea Rescue Institute, three local fishermen went out to sea and were thrown into the water when their boat capsized.

Initial investigations revealed that the Kreefte Bakkie (small open fishing boat) capsized close to the shore on a shallow bank during their fishing excursion.

One fisherman was rescued by a crew in a fellow fishing boat. But, despite their efforts, the good samaritans could not locate the other two men.

The rescued fisherman was taken to Lamberts Bay harbour, where EMS paramedics treated him for non-fatal drowning symptoms before transporting him to the hospital in a serious but stable condition.

During a sea and shoreline search, Disaster Risk Management and police crews located the two missing men in a shallow surf.

After retrieving the men from the water, both fishermen were declared deceased on the scene by paramedics.

Their bodies were taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and police have opened an inquest docket.

The surviving fisherman is anticipated to make a full recovery. The boat involved in the incident washed ashore on nearby rocks.

“Condolences are conveyed to family, friends and colleagues of the 2 deceased fishermen.” NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon