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The body of a missing kayaker was found this morning on the Wailua River by Kauai firefighters, who had to suspend their search late Saturday night after rescuing eight others on the kayak tour.
Firefighters resumed the search at 7:30 a.m. and found the woman’s body soon after, according to the Kauai Fire Department. She had become separated from the tour group at about 5 p.m., during flash flooding near Uluwehi Falls.
Firefighters rescued seven other visitors and a guide Saturday. None had life-threatening injuries, and all were released at the scene.
The Kauai Fire Department responded to a 5 p.m. distress call but had to stop searching late Saturday due to darkness and hazardous flood conditions. The Fire Department deployed 11 personnel, a helicopter and ambulance Saturday and kayak company also took part in the search and rescue effort.
It rained heavily in parts of the island Saturday and a flash flood watch remained in effect today.
My deepest ALOHA to her ohana.
These kayak companies have to start paying attention to the flash flood warnings and stay home when these warnings are posted. This is criminal what they just did .
Yes, ” negligently or recklessly rents to….. when renter knew risk at the time… ” Language found in Negligent Homicide regarding operating a motor vehicle when intoxicated or operatering motor vehicle recklessly. Legislators should look at the language in Negligent Homicide and amend law. Just a thought.
These water ocean activities (scuba, snorkeling, parasailing, etc) MUST be regulated. Too often these incidents are happening. Feel so sad because I truly feel this tragedy could have been prevented. My condolences to her ohana. May God Bless.
EVERY local who grew up playing in the waters know that when it rains, it floods. Even if it’s not raining near the shore, just take a look at the mountains and if it’s raining up there, there WILL be a flash flood. Common sense. How ignorant was this tour company, to take the kayaks out during during heavy rains? They need to get sued into oblivion.
Money! Tourist tied business must sell, sell and sell.
Peace to her ohana.
Editors: on Kaua’i.
Don’t quite understand why the kayak company conducted a tour KNOWING that it was raining up mauka; the river’s been brown for days and OBVIOUSLY in flood conditions. Sad. Stupid. Sad.
Te companies are regulated but individual operators make really lame decisions – like to go up the river when it’s swollen, brown and running hard. One of the few industries which isn’t regulated is surfboard rentals. They send people out on huge, heavy boards when the swell is pumping and then all us surfers gotta tell them to stay out of the way (and then we get yelled at) and/or pull them in when a cleanup set hammers them. THESE guys need some operational rules imposted on them because they are careless, stupid and inconsiderate.
All the warnings but there are some that just won’t listen. In this case is it the $$$$? Just like when there’s warnings by the ocean about high surf people flock to go watch.Sympathy to the family.
Kayak company poor decision based on GREED !