Tourist in Australia Struck by Whale’s Tail

SYDNEY, KOMPAS.com – A tourist in Australia fell victim to a freak accident after being struck by a whale’s tail on Monday.

The tourist was snorkeling off Australia’s pristine northwest coast and had to be airlifted to hospital in serious condition, according to medics.

The tourist in Australia had been exploring the Ningaloo Reef in the Indian Ocean before being struck by the tail of one of the giant animals.

Ningaloo Reef is a World Heritage-listed destination.

St John Ambulance service told AFP they transferred the woman to a remote airport for evacuation and emergency treatment in Perth.

She sustained "chest injuries" and was said to be in a "serious but stable condition," after suffering a "crush from being hit by a whale's tail," a spokesperson said.

Other reports said the 29-year-old was struck by a whale shark, the world's largest fish which can reach a length of 15 meters (50 feet).

The area is well known for its close encounters with whale sharks and the even larger humpbacks.

Both species are normally cautious around boats and humans.

(Writer & Editor: ARB/DM/RMA, Agence France-Presse) 

Source: http://u.afp.com/38v5