Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Photo: Supplied
This story contains images some readers may find disturbing.
Two New Zealand couples involved in the fatal helicopter crash on the Gold Coast have released images of the aftermath and their recovery in hospital as they thanked bystanders for their "care and heroism".
Edward and Marle Swart, and Riaan and Elmarie Steenberg, were holidaying together on the Gold Coast from Auckland when their scenic helicopter ride collided with another helicopter mid-air.
British couple Diane and Ron Hughes, Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, and chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson were killed in the tragedy last Monday, while several others were left severely injured.
New Zealander Elmarie Steenberg continues her recovery after Monday's fatal tragedy on the Gold Coast. Photo: Supplied
Disturbing images show the New Zealand passengers covered in blood and shrapnel wounds moments after their pilot Michael James managed to land their damaged helicopter on a sand bank.
Preparing to return home to New Zealand, the group said they felt "eternally grateful to have been spared".
"The reality of the last five days' events is sinking in and is a heavy weight to carry," they said.
"The level of support and care we have received from strangers has, however, touched us deeply.
"Elmarie and Marle have sustained significant injuries and, at present, are feeling the weight of the recovery journey ahead of them."
Marle Swart and Elmarie Steenberg hold each other in shock moments after their helicopter crash lands on a sand bar. Photo: Supplied
'No words to describe our gratitude'
The group thanked their "hero", pilot Michael James, along with several bystanders who rushed to their aid in the moments after the crash.
"Their care and heroism changed our lives," they said.
"The person on the jet ski who was first on the scene and helped us out of the helicopter, the off-duty paramedic who ran to our assistance, and the holidaymakers who brought us hats, towels and water, and chairs," they said.
"Every police officer and emergency services personnel, both on the scene of the crash and later in the hospital.
Elmarie Steenberg sustained wounds from glass and shrapnel upon impact. Photo: Supplied
"The staff of Villas de la Mer who helped our children to visit us and kept them safe.
"There are no words to describe our gratitude."
They also paid tribute to the staff who cared for the injured holidaymakers as they recovered at Robina Hospital.
"Your discretion and compassionate care during our stay brought us much comfort. We will always remember your kindness," they said.
The couples thanked the New Zealand community for well wishes, along with staff at Sea World Helicopters and family and friends in Australia who have supported them.
Riaan Steenberg, Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart recovering in hospital. Photo: Supplied
They offered condolences to those who died in the crash or were still fighting for life, including 10-year-old Nicholas Tadros, along with nine-year-old Leon De Silva and his mother Winnie De Silva, who are in hospital with severe injuries.
"This has been traumatic for us as survivors, and we cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling," they said.
The group said they were continuing to assist the Australian Transport Safety Bureau with an investigation into what led to the tragedy.
It comes as Queensland minister Grace Grace confirmed the state government was in talks with families of the victims about a possible memorial.
She said while nothing had been decided yet, nothing was "off the table".
"I don't think anything is ever off the table … it is early days," she said.
"Let's see how the investigations go and obviously we will talk to the families and the friends in relation to it."
- ABC
