Sea World Australia: British couple among four killed in helicopter collision near Gold Coast theme park

Two UK citizens who died in a mid-air crash between two helicopters in Australia were a couple on holiday in the country, authorities have said.

Queensland Police said the British couple were among four people killed in the incident, which occurred on the Gold Coast of Queensland state on Monday (2 January). The couple were identified by friends and Australian media as Ron and Diane Hughes, 65 and 57, from Liverpool who married in 2021, The Times reports.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement: “We are supporting the family of two British nationals who died in Australia and are in contact with the local authorities.”

The helicopter pilot who died has been named as a British expatriate. Ashley Jenkinson, 40, who grew up in the West Midlands, was Sea World’s chief pilot and the father of a one- year-old, according to Australian Associated Press.

The crash occurred at around 2pm local time (4am GMT) in Main Beach, killing four passengers and critically injuring three others.

One helicopter appeared to have been taking off and the other landing when they collided near the Sea World theme park at Main Beach, a northern beach on the Gold Coast, said Gary Worrell, Queensland state police acting inspector. One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, but debris from the other was spread across an area police described as difficult to access.

The dead and three most seriously injured people were all passengers in the crashed helicopter. Passengers in the other helicopter, which lost its windscreen in the crash, are also receiving medical assistance. Police said the other victims included the 40-year-old pilot and a 36-year-old woman from the neighbouring state of New South Wales.

Footage of the crash showed a helicopter shortly after take-off being clipped by another aircraft flying over the water. Sea World Helicopters, a separate company from the theme park, expressed its condolences and said it was co-operating with the authorities handling the crash investigation.

“We and the entire flying community are devastated by what has happened and our sincere condolences go to all those involved and especially the loved ones and family of the deceased,” the statement said.

The company did not confirm if it operated one or both helicopters involved in the crash, saying it would not comment further because of the investigation.

The forensic crash unit is investigating the incident with help from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said it was a “remarkable achievement” there were not more deaths.

He said: “The second helicopter coming in to land has remarkably managed to land upright, and considering the damage that was done to the front left-hand section of that helicopter where the pilot was sitting, that’s a remarkable achievement. Whilst it has been very tragic that four people have lost their lives and many families are in mourning, we could have had a far worse situation.”

Mr Mitchell said the “evidence collection phase” of the ATSB’s investigation would take about six to eight weeks. He added: “A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation, however, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”

Sea World Helicopters, the helicopter company involved, said it would be closed “until further notice”. A placeholder message on the company’s website said: “Sea World Helicopters is devastated by the tragic accident which happened on the Gold Coast on the 2nd January.

“Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to all those involved over this very sad time. We are closed until further notice and will refund all tickets purchased.”

Earlier, Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said his thoughts were with those affected by the incident. In a tweet, he wrote: “Australia is shocked by the news of the terrible and tragic helicopter incident today on the Gold Coast. My thoughts are with all those affected, including first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those who are grieving.”

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the accident was an “unthinkable tragedy”. “My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident,” she said.

Tributes paid to helicopter pilot

Tributes have been paid to helicopter pilot Mr Jenkinson who was described as a “top guy, top gun and best dad”, BirminghamWorld reports.

Andy Taylor, a friend of the 40-year-old told Sunrise: “He was a big guy with a big heart. He did a lot of charity work. We did floods down in Ballina with a team of us who went down and saved a lot of people.

“Ash was a big part of it. He led us into ground zero and helped a lot. He loved (flying). It was his life. But above all, he was a family man. He loved his family. His family was certainly first and helicopter second. But they were two passions of his life.”

Another friend Ritchie Gregg told the Daily Mail that Mr Jenkinson was a “top guy, top gun and best dad”. He said: “I heard [about the crash] at ten past two. So I sent the message and was waiting for an answer. When he and Kosha had their son (in September 2021) he was the most excited dad. (Kosha) is very silent, she’s in shock Kayden… would probably be asking where dad is.”

He added: “Ash had the biggest heart and was the happiest guy. When he’d finished work flying he’d be straight home to see his boy.”

A GoFundMe page has now been set up in his memory.