Officials suspend search for two missing after helicopter crash off Kauai

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Coast Guard and County of Kaua‘i suspended their search operations for two missing passengers from the copter crash near the Na Pali Coast in Kaua‘i on Sunday afternoon.

According to officials, a 69-year-old male pilot and a 60-year-old male passenger remain missing.

A 53-year-old female passenger was recovered unresponsive on Thursday.

The rescue and search operation lasted approximately 60 hours, covering more than 830 square miles.

“We would like to thank our Kauai County partners for their professionalism and organization, which have made this unified response very effective,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Kristen Hahn, search and rescue mission coordinator with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “While this event has been a tragedy for both the families and the community, I am reassured that our responders have been able to collect some debris and exhaust our search efforts, which may provide closure for everyone involved.”

Officials will continue their investigation on what caused the crash.

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke said in her statement on Sunday: “On behalf of the state of Hawaiʻi, I extend my deepest condolences to the ʻohana and loved ones of those involved in this tragic accident … For the last four days, the Coast Guard, County of Kauaʻi, along with many of our state and federal partners led an extensive search and recovery operation. Mahalo nui loa to Mayor Kawakami for his leadership, and the rescue teams for their aloha and dedicated efforts. We remain committed to supporting the affected families in any way we can.”