Man saved after driving car of boat ramp in Des Moines

DES MOINES, WA – A rescue swimmer saved a man from drowning after he drove his car off a boat ramp into frigid water in Des Moines last week.

According to Federal Way Mirror, crews arrived about 30 minutes after midnight on April 16 after a report came of a vehicle in the water of the Redondo Beach boat ramp. A South King Fire and Rescue diver had already put on her wetsuit before arriving and was able to quickly approach the nose-down vehicle.

Diver Ann Hoag shattered the rear window and pulled the man inside out by his hand. Then she dragged him ashore.

He was treated for minor injuries and a mild case of hypothermia and taken to an area hospital. Hoag, who had cut her hand on the window glass, also received treatment.

Bystanders, who had also attempted to save the man and suffered mild hypothermia, were also treated.

The cause of the incident remains unclear.

[cta]