Aust rescue boat saved after hitting whale

Photo / AP

A volunteer marine rescue boat was saved from sinking and a crew member was injured after it collided with a whale off the Brisbane coast.

The incident occurred around 6pm (AEST) on Sunday near Stradbroke Island.

A Department of Community Services spokeswoman told AAP paramedics were called at 8.30pm to assist one of the crew who sustained shoulder injuries.

He was taken to Redlands Hospital for treatment.

The 10-metre catamaran sustained extensive damage to its hull.

It was towed to its base at Raby Bay to prevent the boat from sinking.

- AAP