A tour helicopter with seven people aboard went missing in Hawaii. The U.S. Coast was on Friday (Dec. 27) searching the coast of Hawaii in difficult weather conditions.
“The weather conditions are challenging,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Cox in a statement.
The owner of an overdue tour helicopter contacted watchstanders at JRCC Honolulu at 6:06 p.m. They stated 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 reportedly minors. The aircraft is equipped with an electronic locator, but no signals have been received.
The helicopter was carrying a pilot and six passengers, two of whom were believed to be children, according to a news release.
Weather on scene is reportedly 4 miles visibility due to clouds and rain. Winds are at 28 mph. Friday’s forecast predicts continued winds around 23 mph with wind waves at 6 feet and scattered rain showers.
Nearly 80 percent of Kauai is uninhabited, and much of that is a state park. Kauai’s natural beauty is accessed or viewed daily by visitors aboard helicopters from several tour companies depending on the weather. Common points of interest include Jurassic Park Falls, the Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon, the Nā Pali Coast, the Hanalei Valley, and Mt. Waialeale.
