Trapped woman rescued from submerged vehicle after car crashes into Bluffon pond

Emergency personnel rescued a woman Tuesday night as the SUV she was in sank in a pond off Oliver Court in Bluffton, police and fire officials say.

Two people were in the vehicle when it crashed into the pond about 6 p.m., Bluffton Township Fire District spokesman Lee Levesque said. He said both people were transported to an area hospital.

One of the vehicle’s occupants was able to escape the vehicle before it sank, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Bob Bromage said. He said a woman remained trapped inside.

Police did not say whether the woman was the driver or a passenger, and didn’t provide details about the cause of the crash.

Bluffton Police Department Officer Andrew Masaino and Sheriff’s Office Staff Sgt. Jonathan Collier, along with Bluffton fire officials, entered the pond to save the two people.

Bluffton Capt. Joe Babkiewicz said Masaino unlocked and entered the vehicle through the trunk as it was sinking. He was able to get the woman and himself back out of the vehicle before it fully submerged.

“Tonight, Officer Maisano’s quick actions and truly heroic efforts helped save a life,” Babkiewicz said. “Officer Maisano disregarded all safety of his own and risked his life to save another. We are truly proud of his actions, which resulted in a safe outcome.”

Bromage said the officers were selfless with their actions.

“They put themselves in harm’s way to save a life,” Bromage said. “It was a cooperative life saving effort.”

The vehicle was removed from the water by about 9 Tuesday night, Bromage said.

This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 10:17 PM.