Black Forest Primary School raise fund for Tom Eckert and family in wake of Port Lincoln boat tragedy

The school community of an “endlessly loved” man have rallied behind the surviving members of the Port Lincoln boat tragedy but could never have expected this outcome.

Tom Eckert and his wife Tess. Picture: Facebook

An inner south primary school community has rallied behind the surviving family members of the Port Lincoln boat tragedy and have raised more than 70 times their original goal.

Black Forest Primary School launched an online fundraiser in late March to raise funds to support the family of Tom Eckert, who was a member of the schools community.

The fundraiser to date has raised more than $35,900 – surpassing it’s original target of $500 more than 70 times.

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one of the parents in our school community,” the fundraiser reads.

“The BFPS Parents & Friends Committee have set up this page to take donations to support the family at this time.”

Tom Eckert was one of the three men who tragically died off the coast of Port Lincoln after a freak wave capsized a fishing boat.

Tom’s father, Paul Eckert and Boat Captain and family friend Alan Bottrill also died in the waters, while University professor Danny Eckert and his 12-year-old sonsurvived.

Professor Danny Eckert was one of the survivors, along side his young son, who were both stranded for 12 hours following the incident. Picture: Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health

Alan Bottrill was a two time cancer survivor, and the 71-year-olds family never thought he would be killed “doing the thing be loved”. Picture: Supplied

One family, the Wiltons, left a donation of $3500 through the school, while the Robson’s donated $2000 and several more in sums of $1000.

Some donations come with condolences for the Eckert family, with many calling Tom a “lovely bloke” and “great guy” and expressing their “deepest condolences”.

Erica Flato-Beckett wrote “your beautiful family is in our thoughts. Please know that you have the support of the BFPS community behind you.”

“We hope this helps in some way, so you can focus on your family.”

Wayne Irvine said “family and time will be your friends. Strength to you all.”

Loz and Brad Price wrote to Tom’s wife Tess Eckert and said “always here for you and the boys Tess, thinking of you at this difficult time.”

Tess Eckert made a public statement in the days following her husband’s death and thanked all the emergency services, volunteers and general public who helped search for the Eckert family and Mr Bottrill.

Father and son Paul and Tom Eckert were killed after the boat capsized off Port Lincoln Picture: Facebook

“There are so many to thank and we don’t want to miss anyone but thank you. Without your help we could have lost so much more,” Tess said.

“Tom was an amazing husband, father, and best friend to so many.

“His pride and joy were his two boys aged 4 and 6, we can’t express in words how much he will be missed. He would have fought so hard to get back to us.

“We love him endlessly.

“We can’t describe how much the boys will miss their Grandpapa Paul who was a huge part in our lives and was also loved by so many.

“To the Bottrill family, who are close family friends, we send you all the love and support as you are going through the same grief as we are.

“Moving forward we ask for sensitivity and privacy at this time and chance to grieve in private.”

Those looking to contribute can find the fundraiser here.