Dramatic rescue as yacht hits rocks

All 37 passengers and crew from a stricken yacht which ran aground on rocks on a north Queensland island were winched to safety by two helicopters, authorities say.

Police received a call from the Romance about 3am yesterday notifying them the ketch was on the rocks at Cave Cove on the western side of Hook Island in the Whitsundays.

Hook Island Wilderness Resort manager Sandra Dowdel said she and resort staff had been stunned to see several boats venturing out to sea yesterday despite the shocking conditions.

- AAP