A man struggled in waters off the Perth coast after losing control of his boat which spun around in circles, Nine Network reported.

A Nine Network helicopter flying nearby spotted the man in the water, swimming near the boat.

The pilot, Brett Campany, described the unusual sight.

"I actually thought it was a whale. I thought it was a bit late for whale season but I thought there is nothing breaking here. It just looked really strange" he said.

Nine Network said Campany immediately called for the Australia's Water Police to assist the man, who was reportedly doing well after the incident.

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