An elderly couple whose car plunged into the water after the driver followed incorrect GPS directions can thank a bartender and former lifeguard for saving their lives.
The unidentified couple, a man in his 70s who was driving, and his female passenger in her 60s, were vacationing in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, when the man drove the car into the water at a marina near the Islander 71 Seafood restaurant at about 10:30 p.m. September 14. The couple had just left the restaurant after having dinner when the man drove down a boat ramp that was incorrectly labeled in his GPS navigator, according to St. Matt Storen of the Isle of Palms Police Department.
Bartender Johnny Himmelsbach, formerly a lifeguard, heard a huge splash and ran into the water as soon as he realized the couple had gone in. Restaurant manager Christopher Sollom told local media that Himmelsbach “didn’t even hesitate” to jump into the water to pull the people to safety.
After Himmelsbach made his way to the quickly sinking car, coworkers Cash Luther and Shannon Standhart came along and also alerted 911 to get rescue help. Himmelsbach said the couple remained calm during the incident and had wisely rolled down their windows.
Cops administered a field sobriety test to the male driver, which he passed, indicating that he was not impaired by alcohol. The couple declined any medical examination and appeared to be uninjured.
The couple said they were very happy to be alive and they were grateful for the rescuing hands, though they were “in a lot of shock” after the accident.
Right after the incident authorities closed the marina’s boat ramp until further notice, but it opened back up again on September 15 after a sheriff’s department dive team helped get the sunken car dragged back onto shore.
Bartender Shannon Stanhardt described her coworker Himmelsbach as “an angel” for saving the couple’s lives. She said he should get all the credit for the rescue.
