Coast Guard rescues man from sinking car

News Release

December 30, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: (504) 671-2020 After Hours: (618) 225-9008

Coast Guard rescues man from sinking car

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NEW ORLEANS– The Coast Guard rescued an 89-year-old man from a vehicle that fell into the St. Andrews Marina in Panama City, Florida, Saturday.

Coast Guard members aboard Coast Guard Cutter Marlin observed a car go into the water at approximately 12:45 p.m. and launched a boat crew from the  cutter to assist the man.

The boat crew arrived on scene at approximately 12:47 p.m., broke the car’s window and rescued the man from the vehicle.

The boat crew transferred the man to shore to awaiting emergency medical services in stable condition.

Assisting with the rescue were:

• Panama City Emergency Medical Services
• Panama City Police Department
• Panama City Fire Department

“I am very pleased with the quick reaction of the crew,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Glenn Bucklin, the officer in charge of Coast Guard Cutter Marlin. “This is a perfect example of the training we put into our job. As soon as one of our crewmen witnessed the car enter the water, the entire crew fluidly reacted. We are extremely grateful that we happened to be at the marina at the right time to put our boat crew in position to save the life of the driver trapped inside.”

 

-USCG-