SAN DIEGO --
Fire crews and paramedics rescued an elderly driver after her sport utility vehicle plunged into San Diego Bay Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The accident happened at 2:30 p.m. at the Southwestern Yacht Club at 2702 Qualtrough Street.
Dock master Paul Payne was one of the first on scene.
"There was a guy that was already trying to dive, trying to break open the windows, and he was unsuccessful," he said.
Payne said the car doors were locked and they had no tools, so all they could do was wait for help.
"That's a long 10 minutes to wait for somebody when there's nothing you can do about it. It was not pleasant," Payne said.
Witnesses led rescue crews to the location of the submerged SUV, which was not visible from the surface because the water was so murky, firefighters told NBC 7/39. Divers were sent into the bay and rescued the driver, identified as Jean McGuire Kohut.
Firefighters said they had to break the vehicle's window to pull her out. Firefighter Mike Nizic and his crew were the first to arrive, and quickly jumped into action.
"In 15 years this is actually the first time I've actually tore off my clothes and jumped in after somebody in a car," Nizic said.
Kohut was found floating inside the SUV. Witnesses said she may have been underwater for up to 25 minutes.
Payne helped get Kohut to safety.
"I helped drag her out of the water up onto the shore, and I didn't see any signs of life. She was not responding to anything we were doing," he said.
Paramedics performed CPR on her and she was taken to UCSD Medical Center. She was listed in critical condition.
Police said Kohut's car was in drive when they pulled it from the water. Investigators said it's possible Kohut stepped on the gas when she meant to hit the brake.
Friends described Kohut as adventurous woman in her 70s. They said she has been a life-long sailor. She lived just feet from where her car plunged into the water on her boat, the Vaya Con Dios, which is Spanish for "Go With God."
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