By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Published: | Updated:
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2 View commentsA major search operation is underway for an elderly man who ran over his wife and ploughed their car into Sydney Harbour after he accidentally put his foot on the accelerator during a family fishing trip.
Emergency services were called to Manns Point in Greenwich on Sydney's lower north shore about 4.15pm on Monday following reports a vehicle had ploughed through a fence, struck a woman standing on the riverbank and crashed into the Parramatta River.
It's understood the couple had just arrived at the fishing spot, according to witnesses.
The woman, 74, and another family member exited the car as the man attempted to park when disaster struck.
Police believe the man, 86, may have accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake in the car park and crashed into the water, clipping his wife on the way.
The woman was rescued by two bystanders who swam to her aid and assisted her onto a nearby boat.
One of the Good Samaritans jumped five metres from the ledge to reach her.
The woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital suffering a suspected broken ankle, bruises, abrasions and shock.
A major rescue operation is underway after a car hit a woman and plunged into the Parramatta River -the main tributary of Sydney Harbour
Emergency services remained at the scene on Monday night, where a car crashed through a fence and into the river
Officers remained at the scene on Monday night, where they were assisted by the marine command and police divers.
Photos from the scene showed only a small fence blocked the car park from a sharp drop into the water.
Sitting on a park bench metres away from the broken fence was an abandoned esky and fishing rod.
The vehicle is yet to be located and the driver remains unaccounted for.
The car is believed to be up to 10 metres underwater.
Rescuers were also hampered by strong currents in the Parramatta River, which is the main tributary of Sydney Harbour.
'The vehicle was bobbing but has completely sunk in the harbour ... you cannot see it from the shoreline or above,'Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.
'We can't find the car at the moment because it is so deep, and the information we have is that it has floated off the waves.
Marine officers and police divers continue to search for the vehicle, believed to be up to 10m underwater
'It was taking on water quickly.'
Police divers continued to search the harbour for the vehicle and man on Monday night.
Superintendent Dewberry added that it was likely that the wreckage won't be recovered until Tuesday.
Manns Point is a scenic spot which is popular for fishing and sailing.
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