The Guardian News is unsure of the circumstances surrounding the incident, however it has been reported the 28-year-old man jumped from the houseboat.

Nambucca Heads Marine Rescue Commander Graham Horne said two crews were tasked to take paramedics to the site.

“Our first attempt we went through the hole in the wall, but struck a sand bar and couldn't get through,” he said. “We had to backtrack and go the long way via the golf course, which was also unsuccessful.”

So paramedics tasked a helicopter to assist.

NSW Ambulance duty operations manager Mick Mair said the Triple Zero call was received from the houseboat.

“After a number of unsuccessful attempts to reach the vessel by Marine Rescue and paramedics, the Westpac Lifesaver 2 helicopter was tasked to winch a doctor and paramedic onto the deck of the houseboat and stabilise the patient,” he said.

“He was then placed on the helicopter and flown to hospital for emergency treatment.”