Strangers Risk Their Lives to Save Woman from Sinking SUV (Video)

A terrifying scene unfolded along the Virginia Beach waterfront Friday when a woman became trapped inside an SUV that plunged into the ocean and began sinking within seconds. What could have ended in tragedy instead became a dramatic rescue, thanks to several quick-thinking bystanders who didn’t hesitate to jump into the freezing water.

The incident happened near Bubba’s Restaurant, a popular waterfront crab spot with a nearby boat ramp. Video captured by a restaurant employee shows the SUV drifting away from the dock as it rapidly filled with water, while four men scrambled to save the woman inside. Some tried smashing the windows as others shouted instructions, with bystanders on the dock screaming in panic.

One of the rescuers, Jeremy Way, a 17-year U.S. Navy veteran and trained aviation rescue swimmer, had been eating lunch nearby when he heard the crash.

“It just happened so fast,” Way later said. “I was in the right place at the right time.”

As the SUV floated farther from the dock, one man managed to shatter the rear window and climb inside the vehicle, which was already sinking fast. People on shore could be heard yelling, “Climb out the back!” as the front of the SUV dipped sharply downward.

Moments later, the car slipped almost completely underwater.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Just in time, the woman was pulled free. Way took over, using rescue techniques from his military training to secure her in a cross-chest hold and swim her toward the dock. Someone tossed a rope from shore, and the woman was hauled to safety as onlookers cried and shouted prayers of relief.

“The car was completely underwater when she finally came out,” Way said. “I just did what I was trained to do.”

Witnesses could be heard yelling “Thank you, Lord!” as the woman reached dry land.

Way said he focused on calming her as they swam, guided by a phrase he learned during his service: so others may live.

Two of the rescuers and the driver were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, according to local reports. Police are still investigating what caused the SUV to roll into the water, and no official explanation has been released.