Drunk pensioner drives car off wharf before plummeting into the sea in dramatic accident

A drunk pensioner drove her car off the edge of a quay and into the sea in a dramatic accident
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A 73-year-old woman was the sole occupant of the car when it became submerged beneath the water
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A drunk pensioner drove her car off the edge of a quay and into the sea in a dramatic accident which was caught on camera.
The CCTV footage, which has since gone viral, shows the car smashing through a glass bike shelter before plummeting into water at a passenger ferry terminal.
The accident, which took place on Matiatia Wharf, Waiheke Island in New Zealand, happened earlier this week on Wednesday evening.
The four-door silver SUV narrowly avoided a stationary bus before mounting the pavement and smashing through barriers.
A 73-year-old woman was the sole occupant of the car when it became submerged beneath the water
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In the CCTV footage, a four-door silver SUV can be seen smashing through barriers
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After flying through the air, the car hit the water and quickly became submerged.
Concerned onlookers rushed to the scene and launched a rescue effort to save the pensioner inside the car.
Safety rings were thrown to the driver, who managed to escape the sinking car, while other members of the public climbed down to the water level to help.
It is understood the driver was treated by paramedics at the scene.
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The car hit the water and quickly became submerged
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The car has since been removed from the water by a crane
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The car has since been removed from the water by a crane, and has been returned to the owner.
Ray Matthews, the Waiheke Island Police Sergeant, confirmed the driver had been drinking before the accident happened.
He said: "Fortunately, the sole occupant of the vehicle was able to climb out and was helped by the public to safety.
"Police have issued the 73-year-old woman an infringement notice for excess breath alcohol."
Members of the public climbed down to the water level to help the driver
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Mr Matthews also confirmed further charges were being considered.
A spokesman for Auckland Transport said the condition of the bike shelter was being assessed, adding: "A portion of the shelter has been damaged - glass and structural.
"If we want to replace like for like we need a full shelter replacement, so we are going to work through with the relevant stakeholders what the replacement or retrofit options may be.
"The replacement of shelter and railings will be done at a later stage following the area being made safe.
"Our maintenance teams are on standby for Auckland Transport to decide the replacement option before either removing the shelter or replacing damaged parts."