Driver rescued after SUV found submerged in ocean waters in Orange County

Fire crews rescued a driver whose vehicle was found submerged in ocean waters in Orange County on Saturday. 

Newport Beach Fire responded to reports of an SUV spotted in the water near the shoreline at Corona del Mar State Beach at around 5:30 a.m.

Crews headed into the water and were able to rescue the driver. That person was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The vehicle, a black Jeep Wrangler, was also fully submerged in the waters. Crews worked against “challenging conditions caused by waves rolling the vehicle in the surf.”

Photos of the rescue operation showed a large tractor and several other vehicles from Public Works personnel who worked to extract the SUV and later took it away.

“The teamwork and determination of all responders were critical in overcoming the hazards posed by the early morning surf,” said Newport Beach Fire.

It’s unclear how the vehicle ended up in the surf. Authorities did not release further details on the rescue.

The events leading up to the submersion remain under investigation by the Newport Beach Police Department.