SUV Drives Into Ocean With Passenger Inside In Newport Beach

CORONA DEL MAR, CA — Newport Beach fire crews rescued a driver whose vehicle was found in ocean waters in Corona del Mar on Saturday, authorities said.

Firefighters were dispatched to Corona del Mar State Beach on Saturday at around 5:30 a.m. in response to reports of an SUV spotted in the water near the shoreline.

Crews took to the water and were able to rescue the driver. The driver was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, authorities said.

The vehicle, a black Jeep Wrangler, was fully submerged in the waves.

According to firefighters, crews worked against "challenging conditions caused by waves rolling the vehicle in the surf."

Photos posted by the Newport Beach Fire Department showed a large tractor and several other vehicles from Public Works who worked to retrieve the Jeep.

The cause of the incident is under investigation. No further information was immediately available.