Man injured by propeller after losing hat

A 36-year-old man who suffered serious injuries in a boat accident on the Prince Regent River is expected to be back at work within weeks - but possibly red-faced.

Coral Princess Cruises' manager Mark Fifield said the crew member had been operating a zodiac rescue tender, the support vessel to the main cruise ship, when his hat blew off into the water about 12.30pm Tuesday.

When he was leaning over to get it, he lost his balance and fell into the propeller, he said.

The man was rushed to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service for emergency surgery to deep thigh lacerations and a severely fractured arm later that day.

"He's had surgery and fared very well - he's looking forward to getting back on board in a few weeks' time," Mr Fifield said. "It was just an unfortunate incident."