Missing Qld fisherman found safe

Two fishermen who went missing in the Cyclone Marcia warning zone have been found safe and well.

Queensland Police confirmed the men had been sighted and a water police boat was on its way to pick them up.

They were found at the northern end of Moon Boom Island and appear to be safe and well.

It comes after the pair sent text messages to family saying their boat had sunk, sparking an attempt at a helicopter search on Thursday afternoon.

That effort was thwarted by the severe weather, and there were dire fears for the men's safety given the choppy waters and high rainfall in the area.

The men, aged 38 and 39, were on a camping and fishing trip.

One is from Brisbane the other from Maryborough.

News of the men comes as monster Cyclone Marcia heads to the coast as a category five storm.

The core of the cyclone is now starting to affect parts of the central Queensland coast, with the town of Yeppoon to feel the full brunt of its winds and its destructive storm surge, which could destroy low-lying homes.