The County of Kauai released a statement about multiple agencies and their search-and-recovery efforts after a helicopter crashed in waters about a quarter-mile offshore from Hanakoa Valley along the Napali Coast.
One person is dead and two are missing after a helicopter crashed in waters about a quarter-mile off Hanakoa Valley along the Na Pali Coast today, Kauai County officials said. A body was recovered from the water about 2:25 p.m., they said. The victims’ identities were not released.
Tour helicopters are commonly seen along the Kauai coast, but the responsible party behind the operation of the aircraft is yet to be confirmed.
The Kauai Police were alerted about a helicopter accident around 1:20 p.m. on Thursday. Based on an initial report, individuals hiking on the Kalalau Trail observed the Ali’i Kaua’i Air Tours helicopter plunging into the water. At around 2:25 p.m., one individual was found and sadly pronounced deceased. Two others remain unaccounted for, and their identities have not yet been disclosed.
The Federal Aviation Administration has instituted a temporary flight restriction for the search area.
“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this tragedy. We will continue working with our partners to locate the missing individuals and provide support during this difficult time,” said Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “Our multi-agency response remains focused on the search and recovery efforts.”
According to the Kauai county press release, the U.S. Coast Guard, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and the Kauai Police Department are responding to the incident.
“We are incredibly sad to hear of the life tragically lost today, and the two other individuals who are still missing after a helicopter crashed into waters off Kaua‘i’s Na Pali Coast,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “While we do not know all the details surrounding the incident at this time, we do know that our first responders are doing everything they can in this emergency operation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all involved.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those involved in this terrible incident,” said acting Gov. Sylvia Luke. “As search and recovery operations continue, the State stands fully prepared to work in tandem with the County of Kaua‘i and our Federal partners. We thank all responders and agency partners for their assistance during this difficult time.”
ikers on the Kalalau Trail witnessed the crash and reported it to police at 1:20 p.m., according to a county news release. The Ali‘i Kaua‘i Air Tours and Charters helicopter had three people aboard when it crashed, authorities said.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Ocean Safety Bureau, and the Kauai Police Department responded.
County search-and-rescue operations were suspended at sundown but Coast Guard crews were expected to search into the night. County crews will rejoin the search at first light Friday, officials said.
“We are incredibly sad to hear of the life tragically lost today, and the two other individuals who are still missing after a helicopter crashed into waters off Kaua‘i’s Na Pali Coast,” Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said in the release. “While we do not know all the details surrounding the incident at this time, we do know that our first responders are doing everything they can in this emergency operation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all involved.”
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke said, “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those involved in this terrible incident.
“As
