A man reported missing while jet skiing was found unconscious and in critical condition off St Helens Beach, north of Mackay, following a search that lasted approximately two hours on Friday.

The BMA CQ Rescue helicopter was dispatched around 12:30 p.m. to aid in the search effort after the man was reported missing. The crew initially located the jet ski without its rider. With fuel running low, the helicopter was conducting a final sweep along the shoreline when rescuers spotted the man waving his arm before he submerged underwater.

A rescue swimmer was then lowered into the water via helicopter winch and successfully retrieved the unconscious individual. The onboard medical team immediately administered advanced life support, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which was continued throughout the flight back to Mackay.

Upon landing at Mackay Airport, the man was transferred by ambulance to Mackay Base Hospital in critical condition.

Tim Healee, chief executive of BMA CQ Rescue, described the mission as highly challenging. He noted that finding only the unmanned jet ski initially suggested a dire outcome but credited the crew’s determination and alertness for the successful rescue. “Every second counts in situations like this,” Healee said, emphasizing the critical timing that made the rescue possible.