The wreckage of a R22 helicopter that was ditched into the sea near Noah Beach in the Daintree National Park around 8:00 on Thursday night and piloted by Mareeba cane farmer Brad Maisel, 50, has been found. 

However, Mr Maisel’s body has not been sighted following an extensive search, which was suspended on Friday night after specialist medical survivability advice. 

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), who co-ordinated operations, confirmed at the time that the search for Mr Maisel had been suspended and Queensland Police and Navy divers were attempting to find the wreckage. 

The passenger, Danny Gray, 43, who runs the Port Douglas restaurant and bar, Rattle ‘n’ Hum, survived the crash. Despite a fractured leg, he managed to swim 800m from the crash site to shore where he was assisted by four campers. After they alerted authorities and assisting Mr Gray, he was taken to Mossman Hospital and was later discharged.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Gray said he did not remember much about the crash and repeatedly lost consciousness during the swim to shore.

“I remember a bang and I obviously got knocked out and then I remember waking up on the bottom. I was still strapped in.

“Nothing appeared to fail. It was just a sudden bang and an investigation will show what happened,” he told The Weekend Post. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be conducting an investigation into the crash.      

Brad Maisel and his friend Danny Gray were returning to Port Douglas from a fishing trip when the chopper went down. 

“I guess just family really drives you on to get you in there, because that's all I was thinking about,” he told Channel Seven, after he had waded through waters infested with crocodiles to get to the shore.

“I got blood pouring out [and] there I was thinking: Oh no, a shark's going to get me. All I could think about was getting back to the kids,” said Gray.

Mr Maisel, meanwhile, has been described as a dedicated family man and community leader. He leaves behind his wife Stacey and three children.

The Mayor of Mareeba, Tom Gilmore, told the Post that the death would rock the town.

“He was one of the Tablelands’ pre-eminent leaders in the sugar industry who was highly regarded. He will be sorely missed,” he said.