Two tourists are dead and three others injured after a helicopter crash at the Whitsunday Islands off north Queensland on Wednesday afternoon.
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A man and a woman, who were international tourists, were recovered from the wreckage and pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed.
Police confirmed three other people – the male pilot and a male and female passenger also believed to be from overseas – were taken by sea for medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.
The helicopter, a Eurocopter EC120 Colibri, crashed into the water near a pontoon at Hardy Reef, a popular tourist spot, about 4.30pm.
The crash site was about 65 kilometres north-east of Hamilton Island.
Whitsunday Air Services, the helicopter's operating company, which trades as Hamilton Island Air, issued a statement to several media outlets on Wednesday, saying the helicopter crashed on its final approach to the Hardy Reef Heliport.
"We are extremely saddened by this incident and our deepest condolences are with the families of all of the passengers," the statement said.
"Whitsunday Air Services is continuing to work with the Queensland Police, the ATSB and CASA to assist with their investigations.
"Whitsunday Air Services will be suspending all operations while a full review process is undertaken."
Paramedics gave witnesses on the ground first aid instructions over the phone, according to a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman.
A rescue helicopter took off from Townsville with a paramedic on board and was expected to arrive at the crash site about 6pm on Wednesday.
A Cruise Whitsundays luxury tour vessel had been heading back to the mainland but turned around back to the crash, a Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays spokeswoman told Fairfax Media.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau issued a statement just after 6.30pm on Wednesday.
"A team of Transport Safety Investigators will soon travel to the accident location to commence the evidence collection phase of the investigation," the statement read.
"There, investigators will interview witnesses, examine any available recorded data, review operational records and technical documentation amongst other activities.
"The evidence collection phase will also define the size and scope of the investigation and determine the expected time frame for the completion of a final report."
