Family of four winched to safety after Whitsundays yacht hits reef
A family including two children was rescued by helicopter after their 10-metre yacht struck Elizabeth Reef in the Whitsundays early Saturday.
Two children aged nine and twelve were among four people rescued by helicopter. The family's yacht had struck Elizabeth Reef off the Queensland coast about 4am Saturday.
The family had been sailing about 120 kilometres off the mainland when the vessel became stuck. A CQ Rescue helicopter from Mackay arrived about sunrise.
In a complex operation, a rescue swimmer was lowered to assist each person. They were then winched into the helicopter one at a time.
Once on board, the family was transferred to Whitsunday Airport. The father was treated on board for head injuries before being taken to Proserpine Hospital.
CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said the operation required immense skill. "Our crew had to maintain a precise and stable hover while the family were rescued," he said.
- 120 kilometres
- Distance offshore
- 9 and 12
- Children's ages
- 10 metres
- Yacht size
- 4am Saturday
- Time of impact
Why it mattersThe successful rescue shows the critical importance of well-trained helicopter crews in saving lives in remote locations far from help.
AustraliaFour Queenslanders owe their lives to the rapid response of CQ Rescue Helicopters in a dramatic rescue on an isolated reef.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 d ago
