Three rescued after helicopter plunges into ocean off Bellarine Peninsula

Three people have been pulled from the ocean after their helicopter plunged into waters off the Bellarine Peninsula following an engine failure.

Emergency crews responded to triple-zero calls from witnesses about 10am on Friday, arriving at the crash site near Point Lonsdale within minutes.

“Firefighters arrived on scene in two minutes to find a light aircraft impacted in water 30 to 50 metres from the shoreline,” Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement.

“Crews worked in collaboration with Surf Life Saving and Ambulance Victoria to extricate three people from the water and bring them to safety to receive treatment.”

Pictures from the scene showed the Robinson R44 helicopter wreck partially submerged off the shoreline, a propeller sticking out of the water as waves splashed over the crumpled aircraft.

Emergency services crews could be seen on the shore treating the pilot and two passengers who had been on board for serious injuries.

The three people on board the helicopter were treated on the beach before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.Credit: Nine

Ambulance Victoria confirmed a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s were taken by air to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. They remained there in a stable condition on Friday evening.

Another man in his 50s was taken by road to Geelong University Hospital, and was also in a stable condition.

The helicopter came down in shallow waters between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove, near Fellows Road.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the crash. The helicopter’s engine failed before the aircraft was ditched into the water, a spokesman for the agency said.

“The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve examining the recovered wreckage, interviewing witnesses and involved parties, examination of maintenance records, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information,” the spokesman said.

“A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.”

The bureau would immediately notify relevant people if it found critical safety issues during its investigation, the spokesman said.

Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.