Pompano Beach, USA – An elderly woman was rescued from a sinking vehicle moments before it disappeared underwater after her car plunged into a canal.

Authorities credited the rescue to BSO Detective Robert Rutkowski, Deputy Zachary Kerin, and off-duty Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Captain Keith Costa, who responded quickly to the emergency.

When they arrived at the scene, the vehicle was already rapidly filling with water, and the driver was trapped inside. The rescuers immediately entered the canal and swam toward the submerged car without hesitation.

With time running out, Deputy Kerin broke a window, creating an opening for the team to reach the woman inside the vehicle.

The rescuers were able to pull her from the car just in time. Shortly after they brought her to shore, the vehicle fully sank beneath the surface of the canal.

Officials described the incident as an example of how training, teamwork, and rapid decision-making can make the difference between life and death in critical situations.

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