A dramatic aerial rescue unfolded in southeast Queensland as LifeFlight Australia’s Sunny Coast team winched two injured hikers to safety from rugged mountain terrain in Moogerah Peaks National Park. The high-risk operation took place on January 5, 2026, highlighting the critical role of aeromedical crews in responding to emergencies in remote and inaccessible environments.

The two female hikers became stranded in steep, heavily vegetated terrain, prompting an urgent response from emergency services. With ground access severely limited by cliffs and dense foliage, a helicopter rescue was deemed the safest and fastest option. LifeFlight’s crew deployed a winch operator via harness, carefully descending toward the hikers while maintaining precise control amid challenging conditions.

Video footage of the rescue shows the level of coordination required during such missions, with crew members securing the hikers one at a time before hoisting them hundreds of feet above the mountainside. The operation demanded exact timing, steady flying, and clear communication between the aircrew and the rescue specialist on the ground.

Once safely extracted, the hikers were transferred to Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics and transported to hospital for further treatment. Authorities confirmed that both women were stabilized following the rescue, crediting the swift response and technical expertise of the LifeFlight team for preventing a more serious outcome.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with hiking in rugged national parks and the importance of preparation, situational awareness, and emergency planning. It also underscores the lifesaving capability of aeromedical rescue services, whose crews routinely operate in extreme conditions to reach those in need.