Three missing fishermen have been found dead after an hours-long search and rescue operation in South Australia.

The bodies of three men aged 64, 67 and 74, all from New South Wales, were recovered from waters off the Beachport boat ramp late Sunday night following an eight-hour search operation.

The alarm was first raised about 2.30pm when the three men had not returned to shore.

Police said a search of the area was conducted “immediately” after learning of the missing men, with the assistance of Water Operations, PolAir, SES and other aerial assets such as drones. Local boaties also came to assist search efforts.

“Police thank the emergency service personnel and members of the public who assisted in the search,” they said.

It remains unclear how the three men ended up in the water at the well-known fishing and holiday spot.

Conditions were reported to be relatively calm at the time, and the men not far from the coast when tragedy struck.

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths and are appealing to locals not to collect any debris from the beach, as it could form a crucial part of their investigation.

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/three-fishermen-found-dead-after-search-at-beachport-near-south-australia-victoria-border-c-21954578