Seaplanes have begun to land in Broome carrying the first patients from a serious boating accident off the Kimberley coast.
The Horizontal Falls off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia Photo: Wikicommons / Pete Heatherwick
Up to 25 people were injured when a tourism boat capsized at Horizontal Falls, a popular tourism experience around 100km north of Derby.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been assisting with evacuations, and seaplanes are being used to transport injured tourists from the iconic location.
Some are believed to be seriously injured and nearby Kimberley hospitals are on standby to receive up to 25 patients.
A tourism hotspot
Horizontal Falls, an iconic tourism spot in the north, is host to regular jet boat tours through the quick-moving Kimberley tides.
The falls are a natural phenomenon where 10 metres of water surges through two narrow chasms at Talbot Bay.
Called Garaangaddim by traditional owners, the falls have been described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world".
The coastline is, however, treacherous with big tides, whirlpools and strong currents.
The marine park attracts thousands of thrillseekers annually, keen to ride a jet boat or take a plane flight over the spectacular area.
- ABC