The couple, from Victor Harbor in South Australia, were fishing near Kiah at around 5pm, when the male stood up in the 11-foot tinny, causing it to capsize.

They were able to swim the short distance to shore, and broke into a hut at the Davidson Whaling Station, where they took refuge overnight.

A National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson said a ranger found the couple safe and well the following morning at around 9am, when the ranger arrived for her usual shift.

“The couple were very relieved to be found, and they had been genuinely afraid for their welfare,” the spokesperson said.

“They were a bit stressed after their experience, but they were safe and well when the ranger arrived.”

Eden Water Police coordinator, sergeant Steven Judd, said the local unit recovered the boat after the couple were found.

“It was one of those situations where they were very lucky,” he said.

“It was getting dark by the time they made it to shore, but they were able to keep themselves dry and warm overnight by taking refuge in the hut.

“We went out and recovered the boat for them, but they lost a bit of their gear; wallets, phones and that sort of stuff.”