Man knocked unconscious by whale tail hit in Gold Coast waters
- A man was hit by a whale's tail while in a small boat off the Gold Coast.
- The incident occurred in waters near Coolangatta in Queensland, Australia.
- Despite the hit, the man managed to stay in his boat after being knocked unconscious.
A man in his 40s has sustained serious injuries after a whale struck his small boat, or tinny, in waters near the Queensland and New South Wales border. The incident occurred off the coast of Coolangatta on Sunday morning, prompting jetski riders to alert emergency services just before 9 am. According to Queensland police, the man was unaware of the whale's presence until it collided with his vessel. The collision resulted in the man being knocked unconscious after being hit by the whale's tail. Fortunately, he remained in his boat, which likely prevented further injuries. A spokesperson from Queensland police emphasized the importance of safety on the water, urging all boaters to wear life jackets at all times. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and the injured man was transported to shore by paramedics. He was subsequently taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment. Medical staff reported that he suffered facial and spinal injuries but was in stable condition following the incident. This unusual encounter highlights the potential dangers of boating in areas frequented by marine wildlife. Authorities continue to remind the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety measures while enjoying water activities.