Mercedes Ends Up Wet After Man Drives It Off Mission Bay Boat Ramp
July 1, 2012
Byline: The Log Staff
MISSION BAY — A man reportedly unfamiliar with the area accidentally drove a Mercedes-Benz off the De Anza Cove launch ramp and into the waters of Mission Bay June 20, according to police reports. San Diego lifeguards and police responded to the scene, to find the man on shore and the car submerged.
The incident occurred just after 10 p.m., and the man reportedly escaped the vehicle safely before it was completely submerged in the bay. Police were notified shortly after the incident, and a tow truck was called in to tow the car out of the water.
According to police, the driver did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol at the time. Reportedly, he was unfamiliar with the area and on his cell phone when he drove into the water at an estimated 30 mph, sending the car nearly 100 feet offshore.
A dive team aboard the Mission Bay lifeguard vessel had to locate the car underwater before the tow truck could remove it from the bay. According to police, a minimal amount of gasoline or oil leaked from the car while it was submerged.
“Police interviewed the man, and there appeared to be no indication of any wrongdoing, besides a pretty expensive mistake,” said lifeguard Lt. John Everhart.
