Lithuanian man Aurimus Mockus set out to row across the Pacific Ocean solo in September last year, partly in tribute to the Ukrainian people killed in the Russian invasion.

Just days out from his predicted landfall in Queensland, though, he was forced to activate his emergency beacon.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said this occurred on Friday night.

“Conditions in the area are treacherous with winds up to 100km/h and heavy seas,” AMSA said in a Facebook post.

AMSA search and rescue aircraft and a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft were deployed.

They were able to establish radio contact with Mockus.

The Royal Australian Navy has despatched HMAS Choules to rescue him.