The Albury and Border Rescue Squad was initially called to the lake on Sunday after the vehicle and boat trailer ended up submerged.

They were unable to pull the four wheel drive from the water until 4pm Monday.

Vice president Paul Marshall said the car was accidentally put in reverse.

“A fella went fishing and his wife unfortunately picked the wrong gear when they were retrieving the boat,” he said.

“It went in on Sunday morning but, because of the water temperature, we had to hold off for a bit because it was a wee bit cold.

“Thankfully he had an item, a rope attached to the back that floated so we located it fairly easily.”

A diver, dressed in full scuba gear, attached a chain to the front of the car which was pulled from the water.