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Woman swept into sea on Kauai is identified

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  • Hikers stranded in the Hanakapiai Valley overnight return home in their cars. Authorities said the hikers were tired and cold

 A woman who drowned after being swept away in rough waters in Kauai has been identified.

Police say Saturday that the body of 43-year-old Norka Villacorta of New York City was recovered Friday, a day after she was swept away in Hanakapi’ai stream.

She is the seventh person to drown in Kauai waters this year.

Villacorta was among a group of more than 50 hikers who became stranded Thursday afternoon by high water. Fire officials say she apparently tried to cross on her own and was swept away.

Rescuers tried to reach the stranded hikers on Thursday evening, but high water and strong winds made it too difficult, and the hikers were forced to spend the night outdoors.

Two firefighters were able to help the 55 hikers on the far side of Hanakapiai Stream reach safety after the water had receded. None needed medical assistance.

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