Quick-thinking paddlers assist pilot in Wailoaloa helicopter incident

A routine canoe training session turned into a real-life rescue mission for members of the Air Terminal Services (ATS) Paddling Team when a helicopter made an emergency landing off Wailoaloa Beach yesterday afternoon.

Twenty-four-year-old Helga Gukisuva was taking part in only her third paddling session when she and her teammates responded to the incident involving a Robinson R44 helicopter.

Without hesitation, the crew of a V6 canoe — Sepesa Rosini, Ateca Naisua, Uraia Raikoti, Captain Tu Vitu and national representative Camila Rigamoto — changed course and paddled towards the aircraft to assist.

“When the incident occurred, the only thing we had in mind was whether the pilot was okay,” Ms Gukisuva said.

“At work, we are used to dealing with disruptions and working under pressure, so we remained composed. Our main concern was getting the pilot out of the helicopter as quickly as possible.”

She credited the team’s experienced paddlers for helping ensure the rescue was carried out safely.

“Had it not been for them, I don’t think the pilot would have been assisted in such an orderly manner,” she said.

National canoeing representative Uraia Raikoti, 31, said the team had just begun training when they heard a loud noise about 50 metres behind them.

“Before we started our training, we heard a boom behind us. About 50 metres away, a helicopter had to make an emergency landing,” Mr Raikoti said.

“The door was still closed when we reached the site. We assessed the situation and then got the pilot out.”

Once ashore, the pilot was handed over to emergency responders, including National Fire Authority personnel, who took over the operation.

Mr Raikoti described the incident as his first experience responding to an aviation emergency.

“It was my first experience encountering such an incident, especially involving aviation. We just chose to help the pilot,” he said.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka commended the rescuers, saying the incident highlighted the importance of teamwork and community spirit.

Mr Gavoka said he had been briefed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) on the incident, which occurred at about 5.23pm in waters off Wailoaloa Beach near the Nadi Boat Club.

The helicopter departed Nadi with one person on board and was en route to Denarau when it entered the sea.

Helicopter removed from Wailoaloa waters

A team of specialist personnel spent several hours successfully recovering the aircraft from the water.

“CAAF is on top of it,” Mr Gavoka said.

“We want to know what happened. The investigation will reveal that. In a case like this, we immediately appoint an investigator. We have specialists at CAAF who can do that.”

Fiji Airports said relevant emergency response agencies were activated and attended the scene.

In a statement, Fiji Airports said it was working closely with the aircraft operator and relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The organisation confirmed the incident did not affect operations at Nadi International Airport.

“Safety remains the cornerstone of Fiji Airports’ operations, and we will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies throughout the investigation,” the statement said.

Joyce Aviation chief executive officer Tim Joyce confirmed the pilot was safe and awaiting the outcome of the investigation.