Emergency responders from D.C. Fire and EMS worked swiftly to rescue a man from a vehicle submerged in the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington on Monday evening. The incident, near the 11th Street Bridge, was reported around 1:55 p.m., prompting the deployment of a fireboat and a dive team.
Upon arrival, rescuers successfully pulled the man from the submerged vehicle. The victim, in critical condition, was promptly transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Following the rescue operation, crews conducted a thorough secondary search of the vehicle and its surrounding area to ensure no additional individuals were involved or in danger.
Update water rescue vehicle in Anacostia River beneath 11th St SE. Divers are conducting a secondary search of the car and nearby water. Shoreline searches also ongoing. 1 adult male transported in critical life threatening condition. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/eby8Wum9Rb
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) December 25, 2023
By approximately 2:20 p.m., the three rescue divers and two rescue swimmers involved in the operation had exited the river. They underwent decontamination and rehabilitation procedures, as per official reports shared on social media. The efficient response and collaboration of emergency teams played a crucial role in swiftly addressing the incident and rescuing the individual from the perilous situation.