HONOLULU – Two hikers are safe after being stranded overnight on the Na Pali Coast Trail and writing “SOS” in the sand of Kalalau Beach, Kauai.
The hikers were hoisted to safety by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and transported to awaiting EMS at Lihue Airport. They are reported to be in stable condition.
The Dolphin crew was conducting training in the area when they overheard a radio conversation mention “SOS” written in the sand.
The crew diverted from their training mission and arrived on scene at 9:25 a.m. to see two people stranded on the beach waving their arms.
The rescue swimmer was lowered and discovered one of the hikers had an ankle injury preventing him from walking. Both hikers were then hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported to Lihue Airport.
The Coast Guard encourages the public to be prepared with essentials such as water, food, sunscreen and communication devices before embarking on any trip whether on land or water. In the event of an emergency, communication devices and emergency provisions can mean the difference between life and death.