Two men have been taken to hospital after a seaplane crash near Moruya on the far south coast of New South Wales.
Key points:
- Emergency services were called to Coila Lake just after 1pm
- Two men in their 50s sat on the plane while it was sinking
- The men were winched to safety and have been taken to hospital
Emergency services were called to Coila Lake at Tuross Head just after 1pm after reports of a plane crash.
Police said the male pilot and passenger escaped the wreckage and sat on the plane while it was sinking before being winched to safety by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Both men, aged in their 50s, were treated for minor cuts and abrasions and taken to Moruya District Hospital as a precaution.
Shane Daw, general manager for the Westpac Surf Life Saving Rescue Helicopter, says the plane had flipped over in the lake.
He said it could have been a far worse outcome.
“We found two people in the water trying to climb up onto the aircraft itself,” he said.
“The pilot of the seaplane was able to put the aircraft down and, whilst it’s flipped, it could’ve been a far more tragic story.
“There was a bit of luck involved there but also it was very fortunate that we were close by.”
Fire and Rescue NSW were also called to the scene to help with hazardous materials, including a potential fuel leak.
“The crews have managed to use boats and booms and put it around the plane as a precautionary action to make sure if fuel does float to the top, it’s going to be contained and allowed to evaporate off before it causes any harm,” said Acting Superintendent with Fire and Rescue NSW Phil Eberle.
Fire and Rescue NSW has referred the matter to the EPA.
Surf Life Savers from the Far South Coast branch were also called to assist, with their branch director praising the teamwork between the emergency services.
“It’s not the typical call you expect to go to but it’s really fortunate outcome and lucky to have so many services so close by,” said Far South Coast Surf Life Saving director Cheryl McCarthy.
.