Family's dramatic rescue after boat smashes on to rocks

According to police, the vessel broke up on rocks on the south-eastern corner of Erith island, about 60 kilometres north-east of Flinders Island.

The East Coast family - who were travelling to Queensland - was uninjured in the ordeal and was picked up by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter this afternoon after taking shelter on a beach overnight.

The rescue helicopter picked up the family about 2pm and conveyed them to St Helens late this afternoon.

Police said that the family's vessel has washed ashore with about 600 litres of fuel onboard.