Two police officers have been treated for the effects of hypothermia after a car was allegedly driven off a boat ramp at Port Stephens overnight, NSW Police say.
Police from Port Stephens Local Area Command were called to the Henderson Park boat ramp at Lemon Tree Passage about 7.30pm today, after the silver sedan was driven about 15m into the water.
A 34-year-old man allegedly told police he was a passenger in the vehicle and had escaped, but the driver was still trapped.
Multiple resources were called to the scene including the water police, NSW Ambulance paramedics, SES and Maritime Services.
Two police officers entered the water and attempted to access the interior of the vehicle; however, after numerous attempts, were unsuccessful.
Police then winched the submerged vehicle closer to shore and were able to establish there was no one inside.
The man was arrested and taken for mandatory tests; police are now awaiting the results of the tests.
Two officers, one from Traffic & Highway Patrol and the other from Raymond Terrace, were treated for the effects of hypothermia after spending 20 minutes in the water searching.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
