Two fishermen die after boat flips

A fishing trip turned fatal when a small boat with four on board capsized off Tuross Head, near Moruya, on the Far South Coast. Bert Ippoliti, 76, and a visitor from Leeton believed to be in his 70s, whose name was yet to be released by police, died after they became trapped under the hull when the 6m runabout overturned about 8am on Saturday. Mr Ippoliti, a long-time member of the Tuross Fishing Club, is understood to have celebrated his birthday the night before. Another veteran of the club, who was skipper at the time, and the daughter of the Leeton man survived. They were plucked from the water by another fishing charter boat. They were treated by two doctors who happened to be on board, before being taken to Moruya Hospital for further treatment. Police found the bodies of the deceased about 1.30pm after an air and sea search. Mr Ippoliti's son, Simon, said his father loved fishing. "In one way, in a very small way, it's a great thing he went doing what he loved," he said.Tuross Fishing Club president Fred Vezis said the tragedy had struck at the heart of the community."It's very unforgiving out there," he said.Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol vessel Strathmore towed the stricken boat into Narooma about 4.30pm.The boat was retrieved by Water Police later that night.Fisherman Pat Brodbeck, from Young, was fishing on his own boat with mates near the accident scene.Mr Brodbeck did not see the incident, but said officials asked him to keep a lookout for debris.He said morning sea conditions "weren't too bad", and that conditions had been much worse the day before."It's devastating," he said.A report will be prepared for the coroner.