Stranded hikers rescued on Kauai, body recovered

LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) — The body of a woman who was swept away while attempting to cross a rain-swollen stream near a Kauai beach was recovered Friday downstream from where she was last seen, fire officials said.

Rescuers located the body of the woman believed to be in her 40s near Hanakapiai Beach. Her name has not been released.

The woman was among a group of more than 50 hikers who became stranded Thursday afternoon. The woman apparently tried to cross the stream on her own and was swept away, fire officials said.

Two firefighters were able to help the 55 hikers that were stranded on the far side of Hanakapiai Stream reach safety after the water had receded. None needed medical assistance and most chose to hike out of the valley. Ten hikers were flown out.

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. They were provided with blankets and were told to stay put until helicopters could return the next morning.

An aerial search was conducted for the missing woman while lifeguards on personal watercraft searched throughout the evening. A volunteer-based grief counseling service was helping the woman's family.