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Australian woman seriously injured after being 'crushed' while snorkelling with humpback whales

An Australian woman has been hospitalised with serious injuries after being struck by a humpback whale off the coast of Western Australia.

The 29-year-old woman was with a tour group at Ningaloo Reef on Saturday when she suffered fractured ribs and internal bleeding “from the crush” that occurred while she was swimming, in the words of St John’s Ambulance staff.

It was initially reported, but not confirmed, that the woman was trapped between two humpback whales. Other reports said she was struck by a whale’s tail while snorkelling.

She received urgent medical treatment in the regional town of Exmouth before being flown to the state’s capital, Perth.

Late on Monday she was in a “serious but stable” condition in Royal Perth Hospital.

Humpbacks grow up to 19 metres (62ft) in length and in adulthood can weigh up to 36,000kg.

Local police said workplace safety authorities are investigating the incident because of the involvement of a charter group.

Under an ongoing five-year trial, fifteen tour operators in the region are licensed to take groups swimming with the whales under strict conditions, including warning the swimmers to keep at least 15 metres away from the giant mammals.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, which oversees the trial, issued a statement noting that it is “working closely with the industry and the tour operator involved to understand how the incident occurred” and also observing that swimming with humpback whales involved “some inherent risk”.

The Department noted that almost 10,000 people had swum with humpback whales since the trial began four years ago without any serious injuries being sustained.

Western Australia is home to the largest known population of humpback whales.