Without wishing to denigrate the excellent work of the crews involved last night, I can't help wondering whether it was all necessary.
The ship was swept onto the coast, where it became firmly stuck. It was not going to sink (it had run aground), it was still there this morning, and it will probably still be there in a few days time.
Why risk life and limb (especially of the winchman in the exceptionally blustery weather) for a non-life-threatening situation? The ship's crew could probably have climbed down a ladder in the cold light of day.