One person is dead and two others are missing after a helicopter carrying three people in Kauai, Hawaii, crashed into waters about a quarter mile offshore, according to state officials.
Officials said they received a report of a helicopter crash into the ocean around 1:20 p.m. local time, after hikers along the Kalalau Trial witnessed the helicopter go down in the water and reported it to dispatch.
The crash, involving a Ali’i Kaua’i Air Tours and Charters helicopter, was reported near the Hanakoa Valley along Na Pali Coast.
“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 Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “Our multi-agency response remains focused on the search and recovery efforts.”
The Federal Aviation Agency put a temporary flight restriction in the area as the search operation continues.
An ambulance enters Lihue Airport on the island of Kauai, Hawaii on July 11, 2024.
Chris Jensen via AP
Preliminary information indicates the type of helicopter involved was a Robinson R44, according to an FAA spokesperson.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, personnel with the Kaua’i Fire Department, the Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency, the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency, personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and the Kaua’i Police Department all responded to the incident.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, with the NTSB in charge of the investigation.
A tragic helicopter crash in Hawaii has resulted in one fatality and two individuals missing, leaving authorities and loved ones searching for answers and hoping for the safe return of the missing passengers.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a tour helicopter carrying seven people crashed into the waters off the coast of Kauai. The helicopter was operated by Safari Helicopters, a popular tour company that offers scenic flights over the picturesque Hawaiian islands.
According to reports, the helicopter went down shortly after taking off from the Lihue Airport. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but witnesses reported seeing the helicopter experiencing mechanical issues before it plunged into the ocean.
Rescue teams quickly responded to the scene and were able to rescue four of the passengers from the water. Tragically, one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others remain unaccounted for. The search for the missing individuals has been ongoing, with authorities utilizing helicopters, boats, and divers to scour the area for any sign of them.
The news of the crash has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Kauai, as residents and tourists alike grapple with the reality of such a devastating event. The safety of helicopter tours in Hawaii has come under scrutiny in recent years, with several high-profile accidents raising concerns about the industry’s regulations and oversight.
In response to the crash, Safari Helicopters has temporarily suspended all flights as they cooperate with investigators to determine the cause of the accident. The company has also expressed their deepest condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy.
As the search for the missing passengers continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward. The community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time, offering prayers and well-wishes for the safe return of the missing individuals.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, questions about the safety of helicopter tours in Hawaii have once again come to the forefront. It is crucial that authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and take steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragic helicopter crash in Hawaii. We can only hope for a swift and safe resolution to this devastating situation.
