A dramatic and life-saving rescue operation unfolded on Friday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, when a woman trapped inside an SUV that was rapidly sinking into the ocean was saved by a group of courageous men who dove into the frigid waters without hesitation.
Chaotic Scene at Bubba's Restaurant
The incident occurred near Bubba's Restaurant, a popular seaside crab eatery known for its waterfront views. A video captured by a restaurant employee documented the terrifying moments as the car descended into the water close to the boat ramp. Four men were seen desperately searching for ways to extract the woman from the vehicle, attempting to smash the windshield and windows as bystanders on the dock screamed in horror.
Navy Veteran at the Right Place
Among the rescuers was Jeremy Way, a 17-year veteran of the Navy with specialised training as an aviation rescue swimmer. Way had been enjoying lunch with a friend at Bubba's when he heard the car plunge into the water. Reflecting on the timing, he later remarked, 'Just happened to be at the right place at the right time.'
Way explained to local media that the woman inside the SUV was unable to unlock her doors to escape, heightening the urgency of the situation. As the car continued to float further from the dock, one of the men managed to break the rear window and climbed into the sinking vehicle to reach the woman.
Dramatic Moments Before the Sink
The rescue reached a critical point when the car began to tilt downward, with the front end diving toward the ocean floor. Bystanders were heard repeatedly shouting, 'Climb out the back!' as people cried while watching the vehicle suddenly go under. In a heart-stopping moment, the men managed to yank the woman out just before the SUV slipped completely beneath the water line.
Describing the intense rescue, Way said, 'The car was completely underwater. She finally came out, and I did … what I’ve always been taught, some rescue swimmer techniques, threw her in a cross-chest carry, threw on my hip and swam towards the pylons.' He was guided by the military motto he had been taught: 'so others may live.'
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the dramatic rescue, a woman on the dock was heard yelling, 'Thank you, lord!' as someone threw a rope to the rescued woman so she could be pulled back to land. Way tried to console the woman as he swam her to safety.
According to reports, two of the rescuers, along with the driver of the car, were taken to the hospital with superficial injuries. Police are currently investigating the incident, and the cause of the car crash has not yet been determined.
