Horizontal Falls: 12 treated for serious injuries after boat accident

The first pictures of tourists injured in a horror boat accident in Western Australia have been released as investigators piece together what happened at the popular location south of Broome.

The first pictures showing those injured in a horror boat accident in Western Australia have been released as details from the accident continue to emerge.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) confirmed the number of seriously injured this evening after the tour boat Falls Express ran into trouble at Horizontal Falls about 7am local time, an attraction in the state’s northwest famous for its fast-moving tides.

Initially, it was feared the boat had capsized. But a source told the Broome Advertiser the boat went into the narrow falls, hitting land and causing a number of elderly passengers to fall.

In a statement, tour operator Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures said it was working with authorities to help the injured passengers.

One tourists in the aircraft after being injured in a boat crash in WA. Credit: 9 NEWS

“Falls Express, guided by an experienced skipper during an early-morning tour, was involved in the incident while travelling through the falls,” the statement said.

“The vessel immediately returned to the pontoon.”

The company said there were 26 passengers and two crew on board the vessel but did not say how many people had been injured.

“[We] are continuing to liaise with the RFDS and emergency services to manage the incident,” it stated.

Some of the injured needed to be stretchered from the plane. Credit: 9 NEWS

The latest pictures show several of the injured tourists strapped to stretchers before being flown to Broome.

One woman is shown hooked up to a blood pressure monitor as she attempts to comfort herself in the aircraft.

Another man was spotted sporting a sling but managed to walk himself away from the crash site.

WA Police Commander Brad Sorrell said it’s believed many of the injuries were sustained when passengers were thrown overboard on impact.

Up to 15 people, some covered in bandages, were seen getting off a Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures plane at about noon. Picture: ABC

“A number of people did find themselves in the water and a number of people are injured,” he said.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) worked alongside police and other agencies to respond to the incident.

At least four of the seriously injured patients were flown to Perth for treatment with more expected to follow.

The RFDS General Manager of Operations Damien Whitham said they had their first crew on the scene within 75 minutes of receiving the first report.

WA Police Regional WA Commander Brad Sorrell said that a quick rescue was vital because crocodiles and box jellyfish frequent the water.

“They are serious injuries but we are told at this point they are not life-threatening,” Commander Sorrell said.

Medical staff helped the injured as they arrive in Broome. Picture: 7 News

He could not confirm if the boat capsized but said it “may have”.

“We won’t comment on the investigation yet — it’s too early,” he said.

“What we can say is that a number of people did find themselves in the water, and a number of people are injured.

“Our priority was to rescue these people and to co-ordinate the medical response.”

Channel Nine reported that the boat may have hit a rock

Commander Sorrell said no children were involved.

WA Country Health Service was reportedly called to the incident about 8.30am.

Initially it was feared the boat capsized. Picture: 7 News

The tourist destination is especially remote, making the rescue job considerably difficult.

Horizontal Falls, described as an ocean phenomenon, attracts tourists from all over the world, with its swift tidal currents squeezing between two narrow gorges in what Sir David Attenborough once labelled “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”.

Jet boats and plane flights are known to frequent the spectacular area, with thrillseekers venturing to the marine park to catch the big tides and strong currents close up.

The Kimberley region is currently in dry season, meaning the Horizontal Falls have been particularly busy with tourists.

The accident took place at Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Picture: Victoria Nielsen/news.com.au

None of the injuries are believed to be life threatening.

Others arrived in Broome with their legs and bodies bandaged up.

“It remains a priority to get these patients to a safe zone … ideally as soon as possible and most probably before last light this evening,” RFDS general manager Damien Whitham said.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) says two inspectors are expected to arrive at the remote site tomorrow to begin their investigation.

Tourist vessels squeeze between narrow gorges at the famous Horizontal Falls. Picture: Fleur Bainger.

In a statement, it also confirmed it had issued a prohibition notice to the Falls Express.

Such notices are issued when the authority believes any activity poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of any person.

“Activity cannot be started again until the inspector is satisfied that adequate action has been taken to remove the threat,” AMSA states on its website.

“Prohibition notices are remedial enforcement measures, not punitive measures.

“This means that in cases where punishment is warranted, other measures such as prosecution may also be taken.”

A male with bandages on the legs. Picture: 7 News

Originally published as Horizontal Falls: 12 treated for serious injuries after boat accident