A 25-year-old man remains in Royal Darwin Hospital's intensive care unit in a serious but stable condition after falling from a wharf last night.

NT Police and Fire and Rescue personnel were called to the wharf at about 10:30 pm where it was alleged the victim had attempted to climb around a locked fence in an effort to board a vessel moored nearby.

As the tide was low at the time of the incident it appears the man fell 10 metres into the water, colliding with the vessel during the fall.

A 38-year-old male bystander immediately entered the water to render assistance and remained in the water holding the unconscious victim's head above water until authorities arrived.

On arrival police managed to pull the victim onto the rear lower deck of the vessel and commenced first aid. The Fire and Rescue Service assisted in safely removing the injured man to the top of the wharf before he was conveyed to RDH.

Superintendent Dean Moloney said the man was extremely lucky to be alive.

"NTPFES commend the quick thinking bystander in this incident, if it was not for this man the victim would not have survived the fall," he said.

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
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