Fishermen Derek Robinson and Tony Higgins are back on dry land after being missing at sea for more than four days.
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The men were found in Salt Creek in the South Australia's south-east early this morning before being towed to Victor Harbor by Police Water Operations Units.
In emotional scenes, Mr Robinson was escorted to awaiting family while Mr Higgins remained aboard his vessel the Margrel, which was anchored off nearby Granite Island.
Mr Robinson, who embraced his sons, said he was very emotional after the miracle survival.
"Everybody here right now is who I care about," Mr Robinson said. "This is very emotional, my legs are still wobbly ... we never realised everyone was out looking for us."
The search was called off just before the missing fishermen made contact with authorities.
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Mr Robinson said the pair had safety equipment aboard the vessel, which they purchased in Coffin Bay last week, but said there was the odd scary moment.
"We didn't really feel scared, just isolated. But when big waves came at us, we got worried," Mr Robinson said.
"We were just worried that we could have been broadsided by a wave, as we had a propeller throw a blade after hitting something.
"The boat could not go on full power and we were running at only two or three knots."
Mr Robinson paid tribute to his friend and skipper, Mr Higgins.
"Tony and I got on very well, he was so supportive and reassuring the whole time we were out there," Mr Robinson said.
"The bilge pump kept breaking down but Tony would fix it. We had enough provisions to last another day or two so that wasn't a problem just yet."
Mr Robinson said he had a love for adventure but wasn't sure when he would next get on a boat, and that he was looking forward to spending quality time with is family.
Police Superintendent for Hills and Fleurieu, Mark Fairney reflected the sentiments of Mr Robinson's ecstatic family.
"It is a relief they are both home safe and well after a week at sea," Mr Fairney said. "It would have been frightening at times.
"I thank the all the resources that have been used and all involved in the search effort, it is good news both men are safe.
"I have been advised this is one of the largest maritime searches in South Australia, approximately 104,000 square kilometres and they are here safe."
Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes said the rescue was a fantastic outcome.
"It's great for the families, everyone thought they were lost at sea, so it is a great survival story. Amazing," Mr Parkes said.
Family and friends relieved
The family and friends of Mr Robinson spoke to The Times while waiting his safe return after Wednesday night's events.
His brother, Ian, did not doubt his brother would make it back safely.
"We knew he was coming home, we never gave up, he is a survivor and there was never a doubt in my mind," Mr Robinson said.
The fisherman's sons Ashley and Tim also were understandably overjoyed at news of the men's survival.
"We are very happy for him to be back alive and well," Ashley said. "It has been a very up and down time, we haven't known what to think, we were especially disappointed when the search was called off, but we have always been positive.
"We always had hope and you never give up until there is proof otherwise."
Ian wanted to thank everyone involved in the search and rescue.
"A big thank you," he said.
Derek's best mate Matt Bentley agreed with the families' sentiments and said he was always positive that Derek would make it back to his family and friends.
Friends of Mr Higgins Mitch Crowhurst and Robert Dorrough had been waiting at Goolwa Wharf since dawn.
Mr Crowhurst, who had driven the two men to Coffin Bay so they could pick up the Margrel last week said he was especially glad the pair were alive.
"I drove them out there to buy the boat to pick it up so they could bring it home and fix it up, and they're still going to get to do that," Mr Crowhurst said.
He said as more time had passed since the men were last heard from, he was losing hope, but now he could not be more excited.
"My heart was getting heavy, I was fending off the doubts that were coming into my mind, and hoping for a good outcome and we got it, so I'm thankful," he said.
"We've been praying for them and hoping for a miracle, and that miracle's come to fruition.
"It's amazing that they're still floating along now and they made it all that way. We're just so grateful."
Friend Robert Dorrough was also at Goolwa Wharf to welcome the men home.
"An absolute miracle, I couldn't believe my ears," he said.
"It was just so overwhelming to get the news that they were safe and sound.
"It was so heart rendering to think we might have lost him, but now he's back again - we're so grateful.
He said Tony went to church with him occasionally, and Robert thanked God for the positive result.
We prayed for him both Sunday at the service and Monday night at the church service we had," he said.
"I was just so overwhelmed, so thankful to God."
A week at sea
At 7am on Thursday, South Australian Police confirmed contact had been made with the two fishermen who had been missing since Sunday.
Tony Higgins and Derek Robinson, 57 and 48, were stranded at Salt Creek, more than 200km from their destination of Goolwa.
The men initially left Coffin Bay in a 30-foot wooden hulled fishing boat bound for Goolwa about 3pm on Thursday, September 3.
They reported engine trouble to a friend about 11pm on Friday, September 4, and advised they were going to divert to Kangaroo Island.
When no word had been heard from the men, the friend raised the alarm on Sunday, and a massive search was launched.
With the assistance of aircraft from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Royal Australian Air Force and Kangaroo Island and Volunteer Marine Rescue the total search area covered more than 103,000 square kilometres.
At about 10.20pm on Wednesday evening, shortly an aerial search had been called off, the men made contact with police.
Police worked with other rescue services overnight to determine the exact location of the boat.