DRAMATIC footage shows the moment a pensioner was rescued from the sunroof of his sinking Bentley after it plunged into the sea.
Retired funeral director Robert Hill had driven to a waterside car park before his motor suddenly accelerated and careered down concrete steps in Sandbanks, Dorset.
Jam Press/This is SandbanksThe brave men helping Robert Hill out of his sinking car[/caption]
Jam Press/This is SandbanksThe men then helped him get back to shore[/caption]
Jam Press/This is SandbanksThe Bentley became submerged after it plunged into the sea[/caption]
The expensive bronze-coloured motor worth £50,000 hit the water after rolling down from the car park at around 5pm on Monday.
Mr Hill, 74, said he was unable to unwind the electric windows or open the door and feared he was about to drown as the interior started to fill with water.
But footage captured three brave shore fishermen jumping into the harbour and swimming to the car.
Two were seen clambering onto the bonnet of the semi-submerged car as they desperately tried to get a hold of Mr Hill.
Video captured the moment the 74-year-old was then pulled through the sunroof by the courageous strangers.
The brave trio then helped escort him back to shore as worried bystanders watched on.
But just moments after returning him to land, the Bentley sank to the seabed at the entrance to Poole Harbour.
Mr Hill, who was taken to hospital to be checked over, said: “To the men who swam into the water to get me out, I can’t thank them enough for saving my life.
“I would have died within five minutes if it hadn’t been for those chaps.”
Mr Hill recounted how he was slowly driving towards the kerb when “all of a sudden the engine revved up” and despite putting his foot on the electric brake,.
He added: “It was too late and my car did a dive into the water like a submarine.”
However, the 2013 Bentley was later winched from off the seabed by the Poole Harbour Commissioners as it posed a potential hazard to shipping.
It remains in the car park on the end of the Sandbanks peninsula.
Sandbanks is an affluent neighbourhood known for its high property prices.
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and ex-Premier League boss Harry Redknapp live nearby.
In 2005 it was reported to have the fourth highest land value by area in the world.
A Poole Harbour Commissioners spokesperson said: “A car entered the water from the car park adjacent to the Sandbanks Ferry’s ramp at Sandbanks.
“The vehicle entered the water directly from the Ferry Way Car Park.
BNPSRobert Hill beside his Bentley rescued from the water[/caption]
The brave strangers leapt into action and helped Mr Hill out of his sunroof
“A number of local anglers and passers by sprang to their assistance and the sole occupant was assisted from the vehicle before it submerged.
“Divers and a crane were mobilised for recovery and the vehicle was lifted safely ashore at 10.30pm.
“We would like to take this opportunity to commend the swift and selfless efforts of those individuals on the quayside who assisted the gentleman from his car before it sank.
“We would also like to thank PHC staff, partner agencies and our contractors who worked late into the night, recovering the vehicle to ensure the safety of navigation and protection of the environment.
“We would like to take this opportunity to commend the swift and selfless efforts of those individuals who assisted the gentleman from his car.”
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