KAPAA, Hawaii – A tragic helicopter crash off the coast of Kaua’i in Hawaii has resulted in one fatality and left two people missing. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a tourist helicopter associated with Ali‘i Kaua‘i Air Tours and Charters went down approximately a quarter mile offshore along the Na Pali Coast. The crash was reported by hikers on the Kalalau Trail who witnessed the helicopter descend into the water.
The County of Kaua’i government provided updates on their Facebook page, stating that one body was recovered from the ocean, but the identities of the passengers have yet to be released. Despite local search and recovery efforts being paused at sundown for the safety of first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard continued the search into the evening. Local efforts are set to resume at first light on Friday.
Kaua’i Police Chief Todd Raybuck expressed condolences to the families impacted by the tragedy and emphasized that the search and recovery operation is a collaborative effort between multiple agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented a temporary flight restriction in the search area to ensure the safety of the ongoing operation.
While the cause of the helicopter crash is still unknown, the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the incident. Authorities are working diligently to provide support to the affected families during this difficult time.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke extended her condolences to the loved ones of those involved in the crash and expressed gratitude for the agencies involved in the response efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard, Kaua’i Fire Department, Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency, Ocean Safety Bureau, and Kaua’i police are all involved in the search and recovery operations.
As the investigation progresses, further information will be provided regarding the circumstances leading to the tragic helicopter crash.