Authorities successfully battled “challenging conditions” to rescue the driver of a Jeep whose vehicle was submerged in the water on a California beach over the weekend.
Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) and Fire Department crews responded to a call for a vehicle in the water at Corona del Mar Main Beach at approximately 5:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 14, the agency said in a statement.
Authorities arrived and rescued the driver from the water despite “waves rolling the vehicle in the surf.”
Multiple units provided medical care on the scene before the individual was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, Newport Beach police said.
According to photographs from the scene, the black Jeep Wrangler was fully submerged before heavy equipment was able to pull the vehicle from the water.
Public Works personnel then towed away the Jeep, authorities said.
“The teamwork and determination of all responders were critical in overcoming the hazards posed by the early morning surf,” Newport Beach police officials said.
NBPD is investigating why the vehicle ended up in the ocean.
The popular Orange County beach is a favorite for divers and surfers, according to California State Parks. Driving is not allowed on the beach.
