The crew of a 20-metre longliner vessel called for help after finding themselves in a tricky situation on Saturday morning.
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At 6.45am, on May 9, Bermagui surf lifesavers were called to help the South Seas longliner which had run aground between Narooma and Bermagui.
Using their inflatable rescue boat (IRB), lifesavers were able to set up a towline between the stricken vessel and a large Sydney-based trawler further out.
Bermagui Surf Club captain Andrew Curven said the rising tide allowed for a good window of opportunity.
"It was good timing, they had two hours of rising tide left and it was on a steep beach." Mr Curven said.
"They were fairly lucky, as there was only a little shore dump, apart from that, conditions were fairly calm."
NSW Martime Narooma and Marine Rescue Bermagui were at the scene on standby.
Mr Curven said it was "too shallow for bigger boats" to get close enough to set the towline, making the IRB perfect for the job.
Eden Water Police coordinated the rescue.
Sergeant Stephen Judd said the skipper of the stricken boat had organised a trawler, called the Immacolata, to assist in the towing and salvage.
Mr Judd said other emergency services were on standby "in case people on board had to bail".
He said the longliner was in good condition aside from damage done to its steering.
"It was a well kept and maintained longliner operating out of Bermagui," he said.
"It all happened at the right time and the right place. There was no debris or damage to the environment in the operation."
READ MORE: Water police rescue stricken yacht at Eden
Once towed out a distance, the South Seas vessel was able start its engine and was towed to Ulladulla.
"Everyone on board was safe and well with no injuries," Mr Judd said.
The cause of the vessel to run aground was unknown as it is under investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority as well as Transport for NSW.
The skipper of the vessel thanked lifesavers on Facebook: "Thankyou very much to the Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club, especially Andrew (Curven), Vikki (Marshall) and Andrew (McCaughtrie). You guys did an unbelievable job early this morning and played a major part in the rescue of my crew and vessel South Seas. I can't thank you guys enough!"
