Shark Bite - Heron Island
An 18 year old male was rescued from Heron Island this morning by the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service after he sustained severe lacerations to his left arm after being bitten by a shark
The man was spear fishing with friends approx 12 miles from Heron when the accident occurred, which involved an 8 foot long Bull shark. The man was taken back to Heron Island where he was treated, and the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service was notified.
The man was flown back to Rockhampton, where he was transferred to the Royal Flying Doctors Service to be taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital for specialist treatment.
This was the first operational task for the RACQ Capricorn Rescue Helicopter Service, since receiving their new helicopter. The new aircraft, a Sikorksy S76, is able to carry a larger payload, is faster and has a greater range than the previous aircraft. The task this morning showed that this new aircraft is an extremely capable platform to be working from.
