Emergency services responded to a helicopter crash carrying three people in Point Lonsdale this morning.
The helicopter’s engine apparently failed before plunging into the surf off Fellows Road at Point Lonsdale, on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.
All three people swam to shore following the crash and were located by passerbys who contacted emergency services.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson told the Independent that paramedics attended the incident at around 10.10am, where they assisted their “emergency services colleagues”.
A woman in her 40s was transported by air ambulance to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.
A man in his 50s was also transported by air ambulance to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.
A second man in his 50s was transported by road to Geelong University Hospital in a stable condition.
At least 11 emergency service vehicles attended the scene, which is about 28km from Geelong.
Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club captain Amenah McDonald, one of the first people at the scene, said the three people were found conscious and breathing.
She said a jogger, along with surf lifesavers, helped bring them to shore at the seaside town, which is 28km south of the regional city of Geelong.
Ms McDonald, who has been a lifesaver for 16 years, described the wreckage as twisted and upside down.
She assisted in the rescue of one of the three injured people.
“They are so lucky they survived,” Ms McDonald told AAP.
“To also have that many services down there, in a joint sort of rescue effort, was amazing.”
Ms McDonald said the helicopter crashed close to shore, believing it could have been attempting to land on the beach.
One Point Lonsdale resident told the Independent that he was relieved that all three people had survived the crash.
“It was bad to hear but it could have been a lot worse,” he said.
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesperson said the crash involved a Robinson R44 helicopter.
Investigators will examine the wreckage, interview witnesses and retrieve and review data to understand how the crash unfolded.
A final report will be released at the end of the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000.
