Three seriously injured in helicopter crash off Vic coast

Three people have survived a serious helicopter crash that took place near Point Lonsdale on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula on Friday morning, according to Victoria Police.

Emergency services were called to the scene just after 10:00am, when the helicopter is believed to have crashed into shallow water off Fellows Road, between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. Footage obtained by the Nine News shows the wreckage lying partially submerged on a beach.

Police confirmed that all three occupants of the aircraft sustained serious injuries. Two of the individuals – a man and a woman – were airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, while a third man was transported by road to Geelong University Hospital.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said, adding that the identities of the victims are still to be formally confirmed.

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded swiftly and worked in coordination with other emergency services to stabilise and transport the injured. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) reported that its firefighters arrived within two minutes of receiving the call and found the helicopter 30 to 50 metres offshore.

FRV personnel, alongside Surf Life Saving teams and paramedics, helped safely bring the three occupants ashore.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation and is currently gathering information to determine the cause of the crash.

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers or the ATSB.

Images: Nine News