A helicopter pilot has been transported to hospital following a dramatic crash into the sea off Thursday Island in Far North Queensland's Torres Strait.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
The crash occurred in the waters close to a Thursday Island wharf at approximately 2:20pm on Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 2026. The male pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Emergency services were immediately alerted to what was reported as both a marine and aviation incident.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics treated the pilot on the wharf after the crash. A spokesperson noted that the man was assessed but no obvious injuries were apparent at the scene. He was subsequently taken to the local Thursday Island hospital for further evaluation and care.
Recovery and Investigation Launched
Following the crash, the downed helicopter was successfully recovered from the water. Queensland Police confirmed the aircraft had been towed from the crash site. Authorities have officially classified the event as an aviation incident.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has taken the lead in determining what led to the helicopter entering the water near the busy wharf area.
Context and Ongoing Updates
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with aviation operations in remote and marine environments like the Torres Strait. Thursday Island serves as a regional hub, with regular air and sea traffic. The swift response from emergency services likely played a crucial role in the initial outcome.
As the investigation by CASA progresses, more details regarding the circumstances of the crash are expected to emerge. The focus remains on the pilot's recovery and understanding the sequence of events that led to this alarming incident off the Queensland coast.
