THIS is the terrifying moment a pensioner flies her car into the sea while allegedly drunk at the wheel.
The SUV smashed through a glass bike shelter and plunged into the ocean at the main passenger ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
The car smashed through a bike shed
It flew through the air before plunging into the water
InstagramPeople watched as the SUV sank[/caption]
Footage shows the silver car driving up onto the pavement and then crashing through the shelter and a fence.
Bits of glass and metal go flying as the vehicle ploughs on through.
It lands nose-first in the waves and bobs around, but begins to fill with water.
A timelapse clip shows the car rolling forwards before disappearing into the depths.
Stunned onlookers rushed to the edge and threw the driver a life ring.
Fortunately, the woman was able to clamber from the vehicle and was then helped up an emergency ladder.
Photos show bikes and railings left mangled by the impact.
A boat mounted with a crane was called in to drag the sodden wreck from the ocean floor.
Police Sergeant Ray Matthews said: “The vehicle entered the water and became submerged.
“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, allegedly returning a result of 290mcg/L [micrograms per litre of breath].”
He added that further charges are also being considered.
Local medics said one person was treated at the scene, but the woman’s condition is unclear.
A spokesperson for Auckland Transport said the car was returned to the owner after being hauled back up.
They added that the damage to the bike shelter was being assessed and repairs planned.
The woman was thrown a life ring and was helped up an emergency ladderInstagram
A boat mounted with a crane was needed to lift the car from the water
The spokesperson said: “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 AT to decide the replacement option before either removing the shelter or replacing damaged parts.”
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