911 call shows fear, concern from couple trapped in car sinking in canal
By Ari Hait
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MARTIN COUNTY, Florida (WPBF) — A 911 call released Tuesday shows how frantic a couple was as they were trapped inside a car sinking in a Martin County canal.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office released the call Tuesday afternoon.
Investigators said the couple was driving on Rte. 714 in a remote section of northwestern Martin County when they were hit by another car, sending them off the road where they landed upside down in the canal.
The other car kept on going.
Fortunately, the woman in the car was able to get to her phone and call 911.
“Please! We need you!” she said to the dispatcher.
The woman, whose name has not been released, explains the situation to the dispatcher who asks if the car is sinking.
“Yes!” the woman replied. “That’s what it feels like. The car is sinking, sir.”
“Where’s the water now?” the dispatcher asked.
“We’re in the ditch outside,” she said.
“Is the water in the car and how high is it?” the dispatcher asked.
“It’s up to my stomach,” she said. “We don’t know how much time we have!”
The woman explained to the dispatcher that the power in the vehicle was out, and they could not open the doors nor the windows.
“How far in the water are you?” the dispatcher asked.
“We’re deep in the water!”
“And there’s no way to get that window down?”
“No. We tried everything! We’re scared!”
After about 10 minutes, the call appears to drop.
“You still there, sir? Ma’am?” the dispatcher asked.
There was no reply.
Fortunately, deputies arrived a short time later and were able to bust out the cars’ windows and pull the couple to safety.
Both victims were injured, but investigators said both are expected to fully recover.
The sheriff’s office said they are still looking for the other car involved in this crash.
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