Helicopter trio who survived Auckland Islands crash arrive at hospital

Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Otago Rescue helicopters landing at Southland Hospital with the rescued Southern Lakes Helicopters team that crashed near Auckland Islands.

Three men found found alive after their helicopter crashed near the Auckland Islands have arrived at Southland Hospital to be checked over.

The helicopter the trio were travelling in was heading to a private medical evacuation when it was reported missing at 8.15pm on Monday, Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) spokesman Mark Dittmer said.

Two Otago Rescue helicopters arrived at Southland Hospital on Tuesday to transport three men who has survived a helicopter crash near the Auckland Islands.

Rescue crews found the helicopter wreckage near the Auckland Islands, south of Stewart Island, on Tuesday.

The trio were found safe and well and walking on a beach on Tuesday morning. They were described as 'walking wounded' and may have escaped the ordeal with minor injuries.

**READ MORE:

Southern Lakes Helicopter staff, from left, Sir Richard Hayes, Lloyd Matheson, Snow Mullally and Andrew Hefford. (File photo)

* Auckland Islands helicopter crash: Father of man on board says survival instincts saved their lives

* Auckland Islands helicopter trio found alive after wreckage found in Southern Ocean**

Stuff understands the men were pilot Andrew Hefford, medic John Lambeth and a St John medic.

Two Otago Rescue helicopters arrived at Southland Hospital about 4pm and about six men walked into the hospital showing no obvious signs of injury.