Three people have died after a helicopter crashed off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, police said. The helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers, and two survivors were taken to a hospital for treatment. Police reported that the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation, which offers 'doors-off thrill seekers adventure tours' showcasing waterfalls, canyons, and beaches of the picturesque island.
The US Coast Guard indicated that the helicopter crash-landed approximately 100 yards off Kalalau beach. As of now, authorities have not released the identities of the victims. Police responded to the crash alert around 15:45 local time (01:45 GMT), along with the Coast Guard and fire department.
Kauai's Mayor Derek Kawakami expressed gratitude for the recovery efforts, stating, 'Here on Kaua'i, whenever somebody puts their feet on our soil, they are one of ours. We treat them like one of ours, they are a part of our family, and our first responders respond with that spirit in mind.'
Andrew Williams, the search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard in Honolulu, remarked, 'We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals' families and friends.'
Helicopter tours are a favored way for visitors to explore Kauai, famously featured in the 'Jurassic Park' film. Airborne Aviation's 50-minute tours accommodate a maximum of four passengers for $348 each. Exempt from any comments at this time, the latest crash reopens discussions surrounding the safety of helicopter tours in the region, recalling a previous incident in July 2024 that similarly claimed lives due to turbulence-related issues.
The US Coast Guard indicated that the helicopter crash-landed approximately 100 yards off Kalalau beach. As of now, authorities have not released the identities of the victims. Police responded to the crash alert around 15:45 local time (01:45 GMT), along with the Coast Guard and fire department.
Kauai's Mayor Derek Kawakami expressed gratitude for the recovery efforts, stating, 'Here on Kaua'i, whenever somebody puts their feet on our soil, they are one of ours. We treat them like one of ours, they are a part of our family, and our first responders respond with that spirit in mind.'
Andrew Williams, the search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard in Honolulu, remarked, 'We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals' families and friends.'
Helicopter tours are a favored way for visitors to explore Kauai, famously featured in the 'Jurassic Park' film. Airborne Aviation's 50-minute tours accommodate a maximum of four passengers for $348 each. Exempt from any comments at this time, the latest crash reopens discussions surrounding the safety of helicopter tours in the region, recalling a previous incident in July 2024 that similarly claimed lives due to turbulence-related issues.
