Police rescue driver from submerged vehicle

Three officers had merely minutes to prevent a tragedy on Monday afternoon, police say.

The trio of the Auckland Police Maritime Unit sprang into action as a vehicle was quickly pulled under water in Okahu Bay on June 15.

“The first officer entered the water almost immediately and swam to the vehicle,” says inspector Vaughn Graham, the Auckland Police district operations manager.

“A second officer entered shortly afterward, with the third officer getting onto the radio calling for additional resources to the scene.”

Seconds became critical, says Graham.

“The vehicle was quickly going under water, and the driver was unable to get out of this car, so time was very much of the essence.”

Additional police units were at the Okahu Bay boat ramp within minutes, with a Police Maritime vessel also arriving into the bay, he says.

A rescue operation was well under way, with frontline police staff and members of the public lending a hand from pontoons.

Graham says the vehicle had become submerged.

“An officer used an axe to smash a window to create an escape path for the driver, before swimming him to the pontoon.

“Other officers have provided first aid before ambulance staff were on scene a short time later.”

Graham commends the Maritime crew’s courage.

“Our team have encountered a risky and life-threatening situation that was rapidly evolving in front of them,” he says.

“They have not hesitated to respond and without a doubt have helped saved a life.”

Police say the rescued man was transported to hospital and is receiving support.