First responder talks for first time about deadly helicopter crash

The surf lifesaver who lead his collogues through the emergency response to the deadly Sea World helicopter crash in Queensland has shared his story four months after the tragedy.

The horror crash unfolded on January 2 when two helicopters collided near the Sea World theme park, killing pilot Ash Jenkinson, British newlyweds Diane and Ron Hughes, and Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros.

Multiple people were also injured, including Melbourne mother Winnie De Silva, her nine-year-old son Leon, and Tadros' 10-year-old son Nicholas.

Gold Coast surf lifesaving coordinator Brenden Scoffell said it was a pretty steady day before he got a phone call at 2pm about the accident.

"Honestly didn't believe it – just because of the nature of the call," Scoffell said.

"Probably one of the highest mass casualty incidents that I had attended to.

"Definitely hard to come to terms with an incident like that just because of the severity and the casualties."

The volunteer with nearly 20 years experience led multiple crews through the chaos of the crash site in the Broadwater.

"Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, they were one of the first emergency services on scene," he said.

"We also had two of our wave runners, two jetskis, that were assisting."

Investigations into the crash are still ongoing and a final report is due late next year.

The pilot of a helicopter coming into land did not see a second helicopter or hear a radio call before the tragic mid-air collision, a preliminary report found.

Scoffell said the report would bring a lot of closure for those who were first on scene and other surf lifesaving members.

Tours, starting at $69, which take visitors over the Gold Coast and as far away as Moreton Island and Byron Bay, are now taking off again at the tourist hotspot.

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