Car drives into Panama City Marina, driver reported safe

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - First responders arrived at the Panama City Marina Thursday evening in response to a car driving into the water.

The driver, described as a young lady who was trying to find a place to study, is safe from what officials believe was an accidental event.

Officials say the incident occurred when the driver reportedly attempted to press on her car’s brakes but hit the gas pedal instead.

The vehicle ran through the fence at the end of the dock and ended up in the water.

When the car went into the water, the driver rolled her window down, took her boots off and climbed out of the window.

Officials say she did not know how to swim.

A family who was parked approximately 100 feet away saw the incident occur and threw a tow strap toward the victim to help pull her up out of the water.

EMTs evaluated the driver and determined she did not need EMS.

Officials say they will be back out at the marina with divers and the fire boat to lift the vehicle out of the water Friday.

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