Tourists rescued after following GPS directions straight into sea
A couple of tourists had to be rescued after they reportedly followed their GPS directions directly into Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Onlooker Christie Hutchinson caught the moment a sailboat crew were forced to spring into action to rescue the pair, who were fortunately unharmed in the incident. You can see how it played out here:
In the clip, two men can be seen tying a rope to the back of the silver Chrysler Town & Country - which, I think it’s safe to assume, the tourists won’t be getting their safety deposit back from.
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However, despite their quick thinking, it was all in vain as the vehicle plunges into the water, while Christie can be heard saying: “Pretty sure that wasn't supposed to happen.” I think you’re probably right, mate.
With the silver vehicle submerging at a rapid rate, several people dive straight into the water to help rescue the pair, who can be seen sitting on the open windows as the van continues to sink.
Kind-hearted Christie also offers up her help in ‘any capacity’ as several men attempt to attach ropes to the back of the vehicle to bring it back to dry land.
Despite the rising water levels, the pair seem to be fairly calm about the whole situation - almost as though they plunge their motor into the water on a regular basis.
But as the water continues to rise, one man can be seen swimming across to rescue the woman from the car and carrying her safely back to the harbour.
But while our two tourists may have escaped the vehicle unscathed, the same can’t be said for the Chrysler, which eventually sinks under the water, with a final flurry of bubbles rising to the surface. Where’s Celine Dion when you need her to belt out a few bars, eh?
Explaining how the situation came about, Christie explained to Storyful: “I was just sitting there trying to seek shelter from the rain, and then the next thing, I saw a car drive directly past our boat straight into the harbour at a pretty decent speed.”
She added: “The passengers were tourists trying to find a Manta Ray Snorkel tour company in the harbour and had been following their GPS directions when they took a wrong turn into the water.
“I think they just must've taken their eyes off the road for a second.” I think you might be right.
Claire Reid