By Tom Wakefield, July 12, 2024
Multiple agencies are continuing a search and recovery operation for a helicopter that crashed in waters about a quarter mile offshore off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, fronting the Hanakoa Valley, on Thursday July 11th, 2024, reports the County of Kauai. Hikers on the Kalalau Trail witnessed the helicopter crash into the water and reported the incident to Kauai Police Dispatch Thursday afternoon.
Dispatch received reports of the incident at approximately 1:20 p.m. A helicopter with Ali’i Kaua’i Air Tours and Charters was involved in the crash.
According to a preliminary report, one person was recovered at approximately 2:25 p.m. and confirmed dead, with two others missing. Their identities have not been released.
The United States Coast Guard, personnel with the Kauai Fire Department, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau, and the Kauai Police Department are responding to the incident.
Search and rescue operations with County assets were paused at sundown due to the safety of the first responders, and County operations will continue at first light on Friday. However, crews with the United States Coast Guard searched throughout Thursday evening.
This is the second crash of a Kauai tour helicopter this year, In February, a Jack Harter tour helicopter crashed at Honopu Beach, with one person suffering a back injury.
“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.”
“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 Kauai’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 Governor 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.”
