Search suspended for 2 missing in helicopter crash off Na Pali Coast
Search and rescue operations were suspended Sunday afternoon for two people reported missing following a tour helicopter crash off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast last week. Kauai County officials on Sunday released the identities of the three people who were aboard the helicopter when it crashed.
The helicopter operated by Alii Kauai Air Tours and Charters crashed in waters about a quarter mile offshore fronting the Hanakoa Valley on Thursday. Pilot Guy Croyden, 69, and passenger James Quintua, 60, are still missing. Passenger Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua, 53, was recovered Thursday and confirmed dead.
According to a preliminary report, Kauai police dispatch received a call at approximately 1:20 p.m. Thursday from hikers along the Kalalau Trail who reportedly witnessed a helicopter crash into the water. Rescue crews spent approximately 60 hours searching for them across 830 square miles.
“We would like to thank our Kauai County partners for their professionalism and organization, which have made this unified response very effective,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Kristen Hahn, search and rescue mission coordinator with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, said in a statement. “While this event has been a tragedy for both the families and the community, I am reassured that our responders have been able to collect some debris and exhaust our search efforts, which may provide closure for everyone involved.”
On Saturday, multiple agencies searched for the two people reported missing. Personnel involved in the search include the United States Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department, Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau, Kauai Emergency Management Agency, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii National Guard. The search was paused at sundown and resumed today then suspended at 2 p.m.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Guy Croyden, and James and Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua,” Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said in a statement. “We are truly grateful for the committed efforts of our search and rescue teams, partnering agencies, and community during this operation.”
Volunteers with the grief counseling service Life’s Bridges offered support.
“On behalf of the state of Hawaiʻi, I extend my deepest condolences to the ʻohana and loved ones of those involved in this tragic accident,” acting Gov. Sylvia Luke said. “Guy Croyden, and James and Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua are in the thoughts and prayers of our community at this difficult time.”