Police officer uses axe to rescue driver in submerged car

A police officer used an axe to smash a window and rescue a driver in a car that was being pulled under water in Auckland's Okahu Bay earlier this week.

Police said three members of the Auckland Police Maritime Unit had only moments to act when the vehicle was quickly submerged at the local boat ramp on Monday afternoon.

District operations manager Inspector Vaughn Graham said the first officer immediately entered the water and swam to the vehicle to help.

"A second officer entered shortly afterward, with the third officer getting onto the radio calling for additional resources to the scene."

Graham said time was of the essence as the driver was unable to get out of his car as it sank into the water.

Members of the public also lent a hand from nearby pontoons, with a Police Maritime vessel also arriving at the scene.

Graham said when the vehicle had become submerged, one of the officers used an axe to smash a window to create an escape path for the driver, before swimming him to the pontoon.

"Other officers have provided first aid before ambulance staff were on scene a short time later."

He said the driver was taken to hospital and was receiving support.

"Our team have encountered a risky and life-threatening situation that was rapidly evolving in front of them.

"They have not hesitated to respond and without a doubt have helped saved a life."