A salvage operation is expected to get under way this morning after a fishing trawler sank in Swansea Channel.
The skipper of the 52 foot trawler, who was the only person board, radioed Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue at about midnight to report electrical problems, with the vessel taking on water.
He asked for directions to navigate the channel so he could get the trawler to safety, but the vessel ran aground on Swansea bar and sank..
Marine Rescue Operations Manager, Steve Raymond says the fisherman was safely brought to shore.
"From all reports he's fine. He was taken off the boat by our crew at about half past one this morning and taken back to land, so no injuries, he's well, " he said.
The half million dollar 10 metre vessel will be put into the water at 7am and will undergo sea trials before going into service.
It replaces a catamaran which has been in service for more than 10 years.
