A man has been rescued by three police officers mere minutes before tragedy struck, as his vehicle was pulled underwater in Auckland's Ōkahu Bay.
Three members of the Auckland police maritime unit sprang into action as the vehicle was submerged, trapping the driver inside on Monday afternoon.
District operations manager Inspector Vaughn Graham said an officer immediately swam to the vehicle, followed soon after by another.
A third officer called for backup.
"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," Graham said.
Additional police officers and a police maritime vessel were at the Ōkahu Bay boat ramp within minutes.
Soon afterwards, officers and members of the public began providing assistance from pontoons.
"An officer used an axe to smash a window to create an escape path for the driver, before swimming him to the pontoon," Graham said.
"Other officers have provided first aid before ambulance staff were on scene a short time later."
Graham commended the maritime crew's courage.
"Our team have encountered a risky and life-threatening situation that was rapidly evolving in front of them," he said.
"They have not hesitated to respond and without a doubt have helped save a life."
The man was taken to hospital and is receiving support following his ordeal.
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