Search launched for missing helicopter in Hawaii
Coast Guard crews in Hawaii are searching for a missing tour helicopter with seven people onboard that failed to return from a tour near Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast late on Thursday 26 December
The Coast Guard Joint Rescue Command Center Honolulu has deployed a MH-65 Dauphin helicopter to search for the missing helicopter, as well as a cutter and additional search and rescue (SAR) support provided by the US navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 at Kaneohe Bay.
According to a news release, the owner of the helicopter company reached out to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu when the aircraft didn't return from a tour of the Nā Pali coast. The helicopter also has an electronic locator, but no signals have yet been received.
“The weather conditions are challenging,” said Petty Officer First Class Robert Cox, Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu. “We have trained crews responding and on-scene searching for any signs of the helicopter and those aboard.”
Further SAR support has been scheduled for first light, should it be deemed necessary.