Dramatic Florida Pond Rescue Saves Mother and Unborn Child
In a heart-stopping incident early yesterday morning, emergency units in Martin County, Florida, responded to reports of a vehicle submerged in a pond. Upon arrival, crews discovered one car fully underwater, setting the stage for a remarkable rescue story that unfolded just hours before a baby's birth.
Frantic Moments as Car Sinks into Icy Waters
Sheldy Apollon, a 34-week pregnant resident of Port St Lucie, was driving to a prenatal massage on the morning of February 6th when she began feeling dizzy. Celebrating her birthday that day, Apollon pulled over to recover, but when symptoms persisted, she attempted to stop again, accidentally plunging her vehicle into a frigid pond. "I started to feel some water on my feet, so I started to panic a little," Apollon recounted to local news outlet WPTV, describing the terrifying moments as her car started sinking.
Fortunately, Logan Hayes, a passerby from nearby Sebastian, witnessed the car barrel into the water. Despite temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit and an active cold weather advisory, Hayes instinctively dove into the pond to assist. His quick thinking proved critical, as the vehicle was rapidly submerging, with only the rear passenger door accessible.
Heroic Efforts Amidst Rising Danger
Hayes later recalled to WPBF that Apollon was frantic in the driver's seat, asking how to escape. He urged her, "You have to come with me," as the car began tilting, allowing more water to flood inside. Apollon climbed between the front seats to the back, and Hayes helped her swim to shore, realizing only then that she was pregnant. "Oh, my God – this lady is pregnant," he told reporters, highlighting the added urgency of the situation.
Meanwhile, the car completely sank, but Hayes successfully swam with Apollon approximately 50 feet to safety, where emergency responders awaited. Rescue divers later confirmed no one else was in the vehicle, and Apollon was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood hospital in Fort Pierce for treatment of serious injuries.
Birth Follows Brush with Death
At the hospital, doctors performed an emergency C-section, and within hours of the rescue, Apollon gave birth to a baby girl named Ivory Atara, weighing 3 pounds and 14 ounces. Dr. David Rubay, the hospital's chief of trauma, emphasized the significance of Hayes's actions, stating, "Getting someone to jump in and open the door in the beginning – that made the whole difference."
Woodley Sully, the baby's father, expressed profound gratitude to Hayes, telling WPTV, "The only way I can explain this is God. You just have to believe, and … my girls are here, so I'm grateful." Apollon also thanked Hayes for giving her and her newborn the chance to share a birthday after such a close call, noting, "Our bond is just tighter than ever. It's surreal."
Emotional Aftermath and Reflections
After the rescue, Hayes called his mother, Candy, who shared on social media that his voice shook with emotion as he described saving Apollon and the "new life to be" within her. Hayes reflected on the experience, calling it "a different level of crazy" and remarking, "All the things that are positive – it's just, like, wow. Crazy to feel like I'm a part of something like this."
This incident underscores the power of quick action and bravery in emergencies, turning a potential tragedy into a story of hope and new life.
