SEARCH UPDATE: Man found after four hours at sea

Just before 2pm, police were notified by a person aboard a vessel that a man was missing from the boat.

UPDATE 6.30PM: A MAN has been rescued from the ocean north of Bundaberg after a four-hour fight for survival.

It is believed the man was a diver who failed to resurface after an organised dive trip to the Althea Wreck at 1.45pm. Hervey Bay Water Police and Volunteer Marine Rescue searched the area around the wreck, about 30 nautical miles north-east of Bundaberg. A Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic was on board the search party and a CareFlight chopper was tasked to the scene about 2.30pm. The man was found about 6pm and is being taken safely to shore. The Althea dive wreck is an advanced deep-water site with a depth of about 40m, the recommended maximum depth of a dive. It is known for its marine life including gropers, bullrays, and trevally. The area is popular with fishers. 

EARLIER: A SEARCH  and rescue operation coordinated by Hervey Bay Water Police is currently underway in the waters near Bundaberg.

Just before 2pm, police were notified by a person aboard a vessel that a man was missing from the boat.

Hervey Bay Water Police and Volunteer Marine Rescue are searching an area around Anthea Wreck, about 30 nautical miles north east of Bundaberg.

More details to come.