Search suspended for two missing individuals from a helicopter crash off the Na Pali Coast, Kaua‘i

The Coast Guard and the County of Kaua‘i suspended its search at 2 p.m., Sunday, for two people who went missing after a helicopter crashed one-quarter mile off the Na Pali Coast, Thursday.

Missing are 69-year-old Guy Croydon, pilot of the helicopter, and 60-year-old James Quintua, one of the passengers. The other passenger, 53-year-old Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua, was recovered unresponsive by Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau lifeguards Thursday.

Rescue crews searched for approximately 60 hours, covering more than 830 square miles.

“We would like to thank our Kauaʻi 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. “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.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Guy Croydon, and James and Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We are truly grateful for the committed efforts of our search and rescue teams, partnering agencies, and community during this operation.”

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, offered a statement on the suspension of search and rescue mission saying: “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. Guy Croydon, and James and Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua are in the thoughts and prayers of our community at this difficult time.

For the last four days, the Coast Guard, County of Kauaʻi, along with many of our state and federal partners led an extensive search and recovery operation. Mahalo nui loa to Mayor Kawakami for his leadership, and the rescue teams for their aloha and dedicated efforts. We remain committed to supporting the affected families in any way we can.”

The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the cause of the crash.