Grim new photos reveal bloody aftermath of horror Sea World helicopter crash

New images have revealed the aftermath of the deadly Sea World helicopter crash that left four people dead, three critically injured and survivors traumatised.

Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart hold hands after the helicopter crash.

New images have revealed the ­aftermath of the deadly Sea World helicopter crash that killed four people, left three critically injured and survivors traumatised.

Photos released by the family of four New Zealand tourists show survivors covered in bloodied shrapnel wounds and holding hands in shock while seated in the crashed helicopter after pilot Michael James managed to successfully land the chopper.

Pictures of a pair of blood-soaked thongs lying on the beach and a survivor on board the aircraft with blood streaming down her face were released on Sunday by the family of Elmarie Steenberg, Riaan Steenberg, Marle Swart and Edward Swart, who survived the Gold Coast helicopter crash.

Two Sea World helicopters collided mid-air on Monday, claiming the lives of Sea World Helicopters’ chief pilot Ash Jenkinson, British newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney mum Vanessa Tadros.

Mrs Tadros’ 10-year-old son, Nicholas, Victorian tourist Winnie de Silva and her son Leon, 9, were critically injured and remain in hospital.

Emergency services and bystanders help the victims out of the chopper at the scene.

A blood-soaked victim of the tragedy received treatment at the scene.

A pair of blood-soaked thongs.

Elmarie and Marle were taken to Gold Coast University hospital, where they are pictured recovering and smiling. The pair were released from hospital last week and have since made preparations to return home to Auckland with their husbands.

Video footage from inside the chopper, given by the families to Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators, was aired by the Seven Network without the family’s knowledge. “We do not know how they (Seven) obtained it, but it was only provided to investigators as part of their inquiries at the crash scene and after,” the Steenberg and Swart families said in a statement.

“This was intentionally kept out of the public domain out of respect for all the individuals affected by this tragic accident and is extremely traumatising.”

Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart recovering in hospital.

Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart recovering in hospital.

The families said after the unsolicited and “distressing” publication of the footage, they wanted to express their “deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the injured, deceased, and their families”.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss. This has been traumatic for us as survivors, and we cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling,” they said.

The families thanked “our hero” pilot, Mr James, helpful bystanders, an off-duty paramedic and Robina Hospital staff.

“As we return home to New Zealand, we feel eternally grateful to have been spared and thank God for every day we can spend with our loved ones,” they said.