Car driven into PC Marina recovered by dive team

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – April 8, 2025 – A dive team from the Panama City Fire Department recovered a car on Friday afternoon after a driver accidentally sent it into the water at PC Marina on Thursday night. The driver reportedly told police she had been searching for a quiet place to study and hit the accelerator instead of the brake. She escaped with the help of a nearby young man; no injuries were reported.

The incident unfolded late Thursday night when a woman arrived at the downtown marina, hoping to find a peaceful corner to review her notes. She told investigators that she meant to press the brake, but her foot instead engaged the gas pedal. The car lurched forward, broke through the fence at the end of the dock, and plunged into the dark water below, landing about 15 feet underwater.

The driver acted fast. She unclasped her seatbelt and slipped out of the vehicle while it was still afloat for a few moments. A young man who was in the area saw what had happened and ran to the dock edge with a tow strap. He threw it toward her, and she grabbed hold; he then pulled her to safety before the car sank fully.

Police and fire crews were dispatched, but the driver was already on dry ground by their arrival. Authorities said she was evaluated at the scene and declined further medical attention. The incident was classified as an accident, and there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved. The driver’s name has not been released.

The car remained in the marina overnight, sitting on the bottom with its silhouette barely visible from the surface. On Friday afternoon, the Panama City Fire Department’s dive team took on the recovery. Divers descended into the murky water—roughly 15 feet deep at that point—to attach heavy lifting straps around the vehicle’s frame. A cable winch on a tow truck then pulled the car up and out of the harbor.

The recovery operation was completed without further incident. Once the vehicle was ashore, the scene was cleaned up, and the damaged fence was cordoned off for repairs. The marina dock area was reopened to pedestrian traffic later in the day. Officials did not say whether the car was drivable, but a tow truck carried it away for inspection.

Because the vehicle was submerged in saltwater, corrosion is a real concern. An insurance adjuster will likely need to assess the extent of damage to the engine, electrical systems, and upholstery before deciding whether to repair or total the car. Saltwater can quickly ruin sensitive components, so the vehicle may not be salvageable in the usual sense.

This kind of mishap is more common than many drivers think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedal misapplication—mistaking the accelerator for the brake—plays a role in a small but measurable share of crashes every year. Such errors often occur at low speeds, in parking lots, driveways, and other unexpected spots like a marina walkway.

Water-rescue experts also point out that vehicle submersion demands immediate action. As water pressure builds around the car, doors can become nearly impossible to open. The best strategy is to unbuckle and get out through an open window before that pressure develops. In this case, the driver’s quick exit probably prevented serious injury.

The PC Marina is a popular gathering spot in Panama City, used by boaters, fishermen, and pedestrians who enjoy its waterfront views. The dock’s fence is designed to keep foot traffic away from the edge—not to stop a moving vehicle. The incident underscores the need for drivers to be especially careful when operating near water and to double-check foot placement and gear selection.

The Panama City Fire Department dive team regularly trains for water rescues and vehicle recoveries in a range of conditions. Their work in this case contributed to a safe resolution. Meanwhile, the unidentified bystander who pulled the driver out received no public recognition, but officials praised his instinctive response.

Authorities confirmed that no charges are anticipated, as the evidence points to an unintentional mistake. The driver likely left the marina feeling shaken but healthy. For everyone else, the incident serves as a reminder that a quiet spot by the water can turn dangerous quickly—and that a pair of quick hands can make all the difference.