Man Rescued After Car Crashes Into Hilo Harbor

Big Island Police on Wednesday rescued a man from the waters of Hilo Harbor.

On June 23, at approximately 3:24 p.m., Hilo Patrol officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision resulting in the vehicle being submerged in the Wailoa Boat Harbor with an unconscious male driver still inside.

Officers arrived on scene and assisted several bystanders who were able secure a rope from the pier onto the vehicle just before it dropped completely into the water to try to slow the vehicle from sinking while attempting to gain the attention of the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, who the report says appeared unresponsive.

Officers quickly entered the water and, with the help of Hawai’i Fire Department personnel, were able to pull the unresponsive driver through the open window to safety.

The male driver, a Hilo resident, was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment where he regained consciousness and was otherwise uninjured.

The driver was later arrested for DUI, driving without a valid license, and other related traffic offenses as a result of the crash. He has been released pending further investigation.

There were no injuries or road closures as a result of this incident and the vehicle involved was recovered from the water and towed by Ken’s Towing.

The Hawai’i Police Department extended its appreciation for the quick action and assistance from good Samaritans at the scene, who contributed to the successful outcome.