UPDATE: 4:45 p.m.
Two of the three victims from Thursday's helicopter crash off Kauai's Na Pali Coast have been identified as 65-year-old Margaret Rimmler and 59-year-old Patrick Haskell, both from Massachusetts, according to Kauai Police.
The third victim, a 40-year-old woman, remains unnamed pending family notification.
Friday, 12:05 p.m.
Airborne Aviation officials confirmed their cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board as investigations continue into the crash that killed three and injured two. The injured have been taken to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment.
In a statement, the company expressed condolences and stated they are prioritizing support for affected families. “Safety has always been the foundation of our operations,” they added.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported they received a dispatch at approximately 3:50 p.m. regarding a white helicopter carrying five individuals that crash-landed on a sandbar near Kalalau Beach.
Coast Guard crews deployed two air and marine units to the site. All five occupants were rescued, with one airlifted to safety. Officials cautioned citizens to stay clear of the area due to possible floating wreckage and fuel contamination.
The Kauai Fire Department, along with other local agencies, also responded to the incident.
This crash marks the second fatal accident involving tour helicopters off the Na Pali Coast in less than two years.