A sightseeing trip off one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking coastlines turned into a nightmare when a tour helicopter plunged into the ocean near Kauai, leaving three people dead and two others injured.
Authorities said the helicopter went down about 100 yards off Kalalau Beach on Kauai’s rugged north shore Thursday afternoon. The aircraft, operated by Airborne Aviation, was carrying a pilot and four passengers at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews rushed into action after getting word around 3:45 p.m. local time that the chopper had gone into the water. Responders from the Kauai Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and American Medical Response all raced to the scene as the desperate rescue effort unfolded.
Officials said all five people onboard were pulled from the water. Three were pronounced dead, while the two survivors were taken to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment.
The tour company is known for offering 50-to-55-minute “doors-off” helicopter rides over the stunning Kauai landscape, giving passengers sweeping views of the island’s cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls. But the picture-perfect outing ended in tragedy in the waters just off one of the island’s most famous spots.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources warned the public to stay away from the area as crews deal with dangerous debris and possible fuel and oil leaking from the wreckage.
“Containment and recovery efforts are underway,” the department said.
Investigators are now expected to look into what caused the deadly crash as recovery teams continue working in the area.
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