Two Bluff fishermen are recovering after the crayfishing boat they were on capsized in Chalky Inlet near Landing Bay just after 5pm last night.
Both men spent up to 20 minutes in the ocean before being hauled aboard the vessel Kiri Lee, one of three other boats in the area when crayfishing vessel Sharcaree capsized.
The rescued men were transported to Southland Hospital in Invercargill by the Southern Lakes rescue helicopter.
They were not injured, but one was vomiting when rescued because he had inhaled diesel.
Bluff Fishermen's Shore Station Radio owner and operator Meri Leask said she received a call from Kiri Lee about 5.12pm to say a vessel was upside down in Chalky Inlet.
Soon afterwards, Sharcaree's two fishermen were spotted in the water and taken aboard Kiri Lee about 5.30pm, Mrs Leask said.
At that point police had been notified and the rescue helicopter called, she said.
"It's wonderful to have such a great outcome," Mrs Leask said.
Sharcaree was left unattended overnight, as it was difficult to approach the vessel in the dark.
It was not yet known what caused the commercial boat to overturn.
No others had been aboard the vessel.
