One person has been confirmed dead and two others missing after a helicopter crashed into the ocean off the island of Kauai Thursday afternoon.
Three people were aboard a Robinson R44 helicopter that crashed off the Na Pali Coast around 2 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Authorities said hikers along the Kalalau Trail witnessed the helicopter crash into the water and reported the incident to dispatchers.
A preliminary report indicates that one of the passengers was found an hour after the accident and was pronounced dead.
One person has been confirmed dead and two others missing after a helicopter crashed into the ocean off the island of Kauai Thursday afternoon.
Expressing his condolences, Mayor Derek SK Kawakami said, “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the life tragically lost today and the two other people still missing after a helicopter crashed in the waters off the Na Pali Coast of Kaua’i.”
After hours of searching, county officials have paused rescue operations for the safety of first responders and will resume them Friday morning while the U.S. Coast Guard searches for the missing people overnight.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke also expressed her gratitude, saying, “As search and recovery operations continue, the state is fully prepared to work in conjunction with Kaua’i County and our federal partners.
“We thank all first responders and agency partners for their assistance during this difficult time.”
Three people were on board the Robinson R44 helicopter that crashed off the Na Pali Coast at around 2 p.m. yesterday. (File image)
According Hawaii News NowThe helicopter belonged to Ali’i Air Tours and Charters, an air travel company based in Lihue.
Authorities have not released the identities of any of the accident victims.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the incident. Officials are expected to provide more information at 11 a.m. Friday.
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