A MAN’S body has been found after he fell from his homemade tinny and disappeared into the River Murray.

Water Operations police divers found Norman Grace’s body in the water near the Ukee Boat Club at Murray Bridge East about 8pm on Saturday.

Mr Grace, a father of four and grandfather of eight, was aboard his 3m tinny, which encountered engine trouble and capsized about 20m from the riverbank at 3pm on Saturday.

Police said the death was not suspicious and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Family members, including a young girl, watched on in horror as the grandfather fell from his homemade tinny and disappeared into the River Murray.

media_camera The man’s tinny, which capsized near Murray Bridge. Picture: Simon Cross

media_camera Photo of Norman Grace, 79, who drowned in the River Murray. Picture: Supplied by family

Emergency services crews launched a marine search for Mr Grace, whose family initially hoped he had managed to swim to safety.

Mr Grace’s daughter, Jennifer Grace, told the Sunday Mail her niece was waiting on the riverbank, wearing a lifejacket, and preparing to enter the tinny when it capsized.

She said the young girl, about 10, watched as Mr Grace, of Blackwood, tried to tread water before he disappeared.

“(The granddaughter) was extremely close to him. So much for a fun day out,” Ms Grace said.

Ms Grace, who lives on a houseboat at the Ukee Boat Club, tried to paddle in a kayak to her father’s side but was unable to reach him in time. Her sister’s partner also tried frantically to save Mr Grace. “He bobbed up and put his hand up a few times but we couldn’t see him after,” Ms Grace said.

Distressed family members rushed to the scene about two hours after the alarm was raised. Water operations police arrived about 6.30pm to conduct a search of the riverbed.

media_camera Earlier, SES searched for Mr Grace in the River Murray near Murray Bridge. Picture: Simon Cross

Mr Grace’s eldest daughter, Kylie Jacobs, described her father’s death as a “nightmare”.

“It’s still so surreal ... I kept thinking I was going to turn around and he would be there. My mother had collapsed,” Ms Jacobs said.

“He was treading water a few times then he went under. We raced out knowing something wasn’t quite right but it’s so cold and he’s nearly 80.”

Before his body was found, Ms Jacbos said she hoped her father had somehow climbed on to the bank and walked on to the backstreets.

“I don’t know, it doesn’t look good. If anyone wants to get on their knees for us, now is the time.”

media_camera Earlier, SES searched for Mr Grace in the River Murray near Murray Bridge. Picture: Simon Cross

media_camera A picture of Mr Norman's tinny after it was retrieved. Picture: Glenda Molnar

Ms Jacobs said her father loved coming down to the river and owned a houseboat called Queen Laura.

“He is always making these homemade boats,” she said. “He loves the kids, never missed a soccer match, none of us daughters could have raised our kids without him.

“We just want people to know he’s an amazing father and grandpa.”

Ms Jacobs said Mr Grace is a passionate boat builder and often spends time at the river with his grandchildren.

She said her father was nicknamed “Lamby” because he was “always cuddling the kids”.

“He’s everyone’s best friend. The kids at school all call him grandpa, even those who are not his kids,” she said.

“We just want everyone to know how amazing he is and not just a body in the river.”

Ukee Boat Club manager Glenda Molnar said Mr Grace, whose family has four boathouses there, was a loveable character.

“Because I’m a woman, he’s always helping out, always seeing how he can lend a hand,” she said.