Update: One dead, two still missing after helicopter crash off Nāpali Coast

July 11 6:35 p.m. update: At least one person is dead following a helicopter crash in waters along Nāpali Coast on Kaua‘i.

Multiple agencies are continuing a search and recovery operation for a helicopter that crashed in waters about a quarter mile offshore, fronting the Hanakoa Valley along Nāpali Coast. The Federal Aviation Administration has put a temporary flight restriction for the search area during the operation.

Kaua‘i Police Dispatch received the report 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.

County and state officials – including Police Chief Todd Raybuck, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and acting Gov. Sylvia Luke – extended their condolences in a release issued by Kaua‘i County on Thursday evening.

“Our multi-agency response remains focused on the search and recovery efforts,” Raybuck said.

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 details surrounding the incident are still unknown.

“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,” said acting Gov. Luke.

The United States Coast Guard, personnel with the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and the Kaua‘i Police Department are responding to the incident.

According to a preliminary report, hikers along the Kalalau Trail witnessed the helicopter crash into the water and reported the incident to dispatch Thursday afternoon.

Search and rescue operations with county assets will be 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 will search throughout the evening on Thursday.

The county’s next news release is expected by 11 a.m. on July 12, according to officials.

Original post: The Federal Aviation Administration confirms a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed off Kaua‘i’s Nāpali Coast around 2 p.m.

Three people were on board. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

The United States Coast Guard, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and the Kaua‘i Police Department responded to this incident.

The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates.

The FAA will post a preliminary accident/incident report here usually the next business day.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.