'Freakwave' injures 14 after slamming into group in NSW
Fourteen people, including a ten-year-old boy, were injured when a ‘freakwave’ slammed into them on the mid-north coast of NSW.
Emergency crews were called to the remote rock pool at Big Nobby, near Crescent Head, after a group was rolled in the swell about 12.30pm on Wednesday.
The large wave knocked the group into the ocean.
A man is treated after the 'freakwave' hit. Photo: 7 News.
A young boy was also injured in the incident.
Rescue efforts were made difficult by the isolated location. Ten of the swimmers were taken to hospital with cuts and abrasions.
“That was when it smashed everyone. Some people stayed in the water… I went towards the cliff,” one witness said.
One person suffered a dislocated shoulder while another nine people received cuts and abrasions, Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesman Jamie Yeo said.
"The majority were able to get themselves safely back to the shore and the others were assisted by emergency services personnel," he said.
One person suffered a dislocated shoulder. Source: Twitter via Lachlan Leeming/MacleayArgus
The group of 14 people were swimming in the remote Mermaid rock pool in Crescent Head about 12.30pm on Wednesday. Source: Getty
Paramedics transported eight people to Kempsey District Hospital, with two others taken to Port Macquarie Hospital.
The four remaining swimmers did not require hospitalisation.
Local volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards also rushed to the scene, but because of the large number of people involved and their proximity to the rocks, they decided against attempting a boat rescue.
Paramedics treated injured swimmers once they were ashore before walking them to waiting ambulances.
