A family of four has been rescued by helicopter after their 10-metre yacht became stuck on Elizabeth Reef in the Whitsundays, about 120 kilometres off the Queensland mainland. The incident occurred at about 4am on Saturday, according to ABC News Australia.
The parents and their nine- and 12-year-old children remained aboard the damaged vessel while awaiting assistance. A crew from Mackay reached the yacht around sunrise, CQ Rescue Helicopters said.
The rescue helicopter held a steady hover above the vessel while a swimmer was lowered to help each family member. The four people were secured and winched into the helicopter one at a time, according to a spokesperson for the rescue service.
The family was then flown to Whitsunday Airport. The father was treated aboard the helicopter for head injuries before being taken to Proserpine Hospital for further medical attention. The source did not provide further details about his condition or report injuries to the other family members.
CQ Rescue chief executive Tim Healee described the operation on the isolated reef as challenging. He said the crew had needed to maintain a precise and stable hover during the rescue, and that the operation required significant teamwork and technical skill.