Two people were thrown into the ocean after their boat collided with a reef and rolled off Bulli Beach on Saturday, prompting a dramatic rescue from patrolling surf lifesavers.
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Bulli Surf Live Saving Club member Nathan Cattell was among those who responded after a large swell thrust the boat onto a reef about 1pm.
He said a Marine Rescue vessel was attempting to drag the boat off the reef, but was struggling due to the shallowness of the water.
"We noticed a vessel stranded off Bulli Reef, 100 metres offshore ... we noticed it get hit by a wave, and it almost rolled onto the rocks," he said.
Mr Cattell said one man was thrown from the vessel, while a woman "jumped" onto the reef.
"She was in waist-deep water 100 metres out to sea, standing on jagged rocks," he said.
Mr Cattell and fellow lifesaver Barry Lowe came to the woman's aid, helping her into an inflatable and taking her to shore.
Lifesavers from Woonona SLSC who had also responded were able to rescue the man.
Queensland tourist Rhonda Gnany was on the beach when the drama unfolded.
"I thought 'Hell, I'm glad it's not me'," she said.
The stricken boat was recovered by Marine Rescue NSW and towed to nearby Bellambi boat ramp, where the "shaken" occupants retrieved it.
It is believed the occupants had been swept south from near Austinmer in the swell.