Fisherman rescued off Altona after strong winds

Two fisherman have been rescued from Port Phillip Bay overnight.

Water police rescued the two fishermen off Altona after getting a call just before 3am.

Conditions were calm when the men launched their four and a half metre boat but during the night the wind increased to 20 knots.

Waves then increased to between 1-1.5 metres and the mens’ boat began taking on water.

During the rescue the mens’ boat sank and they had to be pulled from water.

Both men were taken to hospital as a precaution.

The boat is expected to be salvaged today.