Prop Wash From Cruise Ship Tenders Creates Hazard For Kona Swimmers 1 A strong sideways current has endangered swimmers in Kailua Bay trying to make it back to shore, residents say.
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii Island — Judy Edwards swims regularly in Kailua Bay, accessing the ocean from stairs at the Kailua pier. But the environmental communicator’s ocean forays have been interrupted several times recently after seeing other swimmers struggling in the water.
Edwards said she’s pulled several people out or helped them climb up a seawall onto the sidewalk after they’ve been swept out of their comfort zone by strong underwater currents. The powerful currents aren’t caused by high tides or wave action; they’re created by the propellers of tenders — the boats that ferry passengers to and from cruise ships anchored offshore.
Within the last few weeks, Edwards said she’s pulled three people to safety on three separate occasions.
“All of them were petrified,” Edwards said.
