The NYPD aviation unit made a dramatic rescue Thursday when a man became unconscious on a commercial tanker 12 miles south of the Rockaways.

The victim was standing on the bow of the 600-foot ship when he fell onto the lower deck at around 1:35 p.m., according to police.

After receiving a call of a man unconscious, the aviation unit reached the ship in about 15 minutes and administered aid before hoisting the man onto the helicopter.

“He was having a hard time breathing we treated him,” Captain Mel Maurice said at a press conference Thursday evening.

“As we were going up I was making eye contact… and letting him know it was ok, everything was going to be all right. It’s satisfying to know you helped somebody.”

When asked if he was a hero, Captain Maurice replied “a hero is a sandwich.”

The victim was taken to Staten Island University Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.