Two men have been rescued after a 12-hour search for a missing helicopter in Central Queensland.
An air and sea search started about 12.20pm on Saturday after luggage, fishing rods and an esky were found floating in the water near Sea Hill, Curtis Island off the Gladstone coast.
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Helicopter crash: 'amazing' survival
A pilot lay unable to move as the tide rose up over his head after a helicopter crash on a central Queensland beach. Vision: Sunrise
More than 12 hours later, RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service crew spotted the helicopter partially submerged in crocodile infested water at the mouth of Keppel Creek.
The helicopter landed and the crew searched for the men, and found them about 1am on Sunday suffering severe dehydration and critical injuries, the CHRS said.
One of the men could not move due to his spinal injuries, and was at risk of being submerged by the incoming tide.
The men, a 56-year-old Margate man and a 60-year-old from Scarborough - were taken to Rockhampton Base Hospital with suspected spinal injuries.
Two men were found in critical condition after a helicopter crash off Curtis Island. #7News pic.twitter.com/15X2VpVJBH
— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) March 19, 2017
The cause of the crash is unknown, though the CHRS said the helicopter may have experienced mechanical issues before ditching in the water around midday.
The helicopter was carrying a distress beacon but the CHRS said it was not activated as it was inside the submerged helicopter.
Officers from the Forensic Crash Unit and Scenes of Crimes will investigate the scene today.