Three people have been rushed to hospital after a helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Australia.

The terrifying incident occurred at around 10am local time on Friday, May 2, at Point Lonsdale, near Geelong, on the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were quickly alerted to the scene.

Rescue teams, including paramedics and officers, are working together to respond to the incident. Footage shows the wreckage of the helicopter in the water just off the coast.

According to police, three people were on board the helicopter. All three managed to make it to shore before being discovered by passersby, who then contacted emergency services.

A man and woman, whose identities have not been confirmed, have been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. The third passenger, a man who has not been identified, was taken by road to hospital, also with serious injuries, reports the Mirror.

Victoria Police confirmed the incident in a statement, saying: "Emergency services have responded to a helicopter crash at Point Lonsdale this morning. It's believed the chopper was seen crashing into water off Fellows Road just after 10am.

"There were three people onboard the aircraft. All three people managed to make it to shore and were located by passersby who contacted emergency services. A yet to be formally identified male and female have been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

"A yet to be formally identified male has been taken by road to hospital with serious injuries. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage.

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the crash with assistance from police."