Kayaker’s body found after 8 others rescued
The body of a missing kayaker was found Sunday morning on the Wailua River by Kauai firefighters, who had managed to rescue eight other kayakers Saturday evening in flash flood conditions.
The woman, a visitor to the island, had become separated from the kayak tour group at about 5 p.m. Saturday, during flash flooding near Uluwehi Falls, according to the Kauai Fire Department. Her name was being withheld Sunday while authorities notified her next of kin.
After getting the distress call at 5 p.m. Saturday, firefighters used the Air 1 helicopter to head upriver and airlifted seven visitors and their guide Saturday to Wailua Homesteads. Those rescued were checked by first responders, and none had life-threatening injuries so they were released at the scene, according to the Fire Department.
Rescuers had to stop searching late Saturday night due to darkness and hazardous flood conditions. Firefighters resumed the search at 7:30 a.m. Sunday and soon found the woman’s body, a news release said.
The island had been under a flash flood watch Saturday. That was elevated to a flash flood warning at 4 p.m. that lasted until 7:43 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. On Sunday Kauai was under a flash flood watch for most of the day.
13 responses to “Kayaker’s body found after 8 others rescued”
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Money over common sense leads to tragedy . So unfortunate to mislead unsuspecting.
Was this tragedy a part of an organized tour, or just a bunch of people on their own? If it was a business, I would hope that the owners/opperators would exercise better judgement knowing the potential for a flash flood.
Agreed.
Kayak Wailua tour group.
A kayak tour group? They should know better.
Totally agree… that company is totally liable!
Was anyone wearing life vests?
16 years and younger must wear life vests. Older people is optional.
My deepest ALOHA to her ohana.
Poor judgement on Kayak Wailua for sending out kayakers in very bad weather conditions . GREED !!! There was a flash flood watch on all day . Condolences to the family of the woman . How sad.
Agree with you and all the others regarding tour companies out to make a buck. Seems like they might have known that the weather could cause a flash flood but went ahead and did the tour anyway rather than lose a day of income.
They will be sued for gross negligence and pay dearly for this.
That’s the end of that tour company for sure.