7 feared dead after first responders reportedly find helicopter wreckage
Kauai first responders reportedly found the wreckage of a Hawaiian tour helicopter that went missing Thursday with seven onboard, according to HawaiiNewsNow.
Authorities fear there were no survivors, according to HawaiiNewsNow.
The helicopter was located in a remote area of Nualolo, a mountainous region on Kauai’s east side, according to media reports.
The helicopter company, identified as Safari Helicopters, contacted the Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu on Thursday. They said the aircraft was due back at 5:21 p.m. from a tour of Kauai's Nā Pali Coast with one pilot and six passengers. Two of the six passengers are minors.
“The weather conditions are challenging. We have trained crews responding and on scene searching for any signs of the helicopter and those aboard," Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Cox said before the chopper reportedly was found.
The Coast Guard launched a rescue helicopter and coordinated for additional support from the U.S. Navy. The Coast Guard Cutter William Hart was also launched.
Weather around the area is 4 miles visibility due to clouds and rain, with winds about 28 mph. Friday's forecast called for continued wind and scattered rain.
Nearly 80% of Kauai is uninhabited, and much of that is a state park. Kauai is an island west of Oahu, which is where Honolulu is located.
