The frigate HMAS Newcastle picked up Mike Noel-Smith, 45, and Rob Abernethy, 31, about 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) from the west Australian coast, a navy spokeswoman said.

The Britons called for help after Noel-Smith was knocked unconscious and received a broken nose over the weekend when he smashed against the side of their seven-meter (23-foot) boat during a severe storm.

Noel-Smith was treated Thursday by doctors aboard the Newcastle and despite the drama said he hoped to take another shot at the unofficial 64-day record for the 6,700-kilometer (4,400-mile) Australia to Africa row.

"I certainly think I would like to have another crack at it because it's something which has not beaten us, it's just put us off for the moment," Noel-Smith told Australian public radio.

"This had been a dream of Rob and I for a long time, we had a fantastic time trying to achieve that dream," he said.

"The fact that we haven't got to the end doesn't mean that it's a failure."

Noel-Smith said he still had severe headaches and vision problems from his concussion, but had been able to eat aboard the Australian ship for the first time in days.

Abernethy said he and Noel-Smith at one point feared they would not be rescued in time.

"It's lucky we are able to sit here on the Newcastle. At one stage I thought we might not make it," he said.

"The rescue was a bit scary in as much as everything was happening in the pitch black in rough seas.

"But the Australian crew were superb throughout. We have been made to feel tremendously welcome onboard," he said.

Noel-Smith and Abernethy collapsed when they got on board the Newcastle, unable to walk after 45 days at sea.

"Our land legs were completely shot. It was a bit farcical really," Abernethy said.

The former Army officers were thrown provisions earlier today by an oil tanker which was diverted to check on their condition.

It was the fifth rescue by the Australian navy of adventurers in the Indian and Southern Oceans since 1995 and again raised the issue of whether daredevil sailors should pay the huge costs involved.

Deputy Maritime Commander Commodore Nigel Perry said the delicate issue was not up to the navy to decide.

"That's not a decision that would be made at our level," he said.

"Our focus here is making sure that the rescue goes according to plan and we can save the lives of the individuals concerned."

Abernethy said he had no regrets about the attempt, which aimed to raise some 600,000 dollars (400,000 US) for the children's charity Sparks.

"Do I have any regrets? Absolutely none," he told the Nine Network television.

"It was fantastic and if it hadn't been for that freak accident, we'd still be out there rowing across to Reunion and hopefully setting a new world record.

"But this time it wasn't meant to be."

WAR.WIRE