Isle of Palms, SC, September 2024 — A tourist couple was rescued from their submerged vehicle after confusion over directions led them to drive into the water at the Isle of Palms Marina on Saturday night, according to police.
Restaurant employees at Islander 71 acted quickly to save the couple after their vehicle entered the water. One of the bartenders, Johnny Himmelsbach, a former lifeguard, used his training to rescue the pair, according to WCIV-TV.
“Didn’t even hesitate; he jumped right in and was able to pull two people out of the car before it submerged into the water,” said Christopher Sollom, general manager of Islander 71.
Another employee also jumped into the water to assist Himmelsbach, while other staff members alerted first responders. “By the time I got down here, it was completely submerged,” Sollom said. “That was a matter of 60 seconds from when someone got me upstairs to when I ran downstairs.”
Officials closed the boat ramp until the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team recovered the vehicle the next day. Fortunately, no injuries or environmental impacts were reported.
Shannon Standhardt, another bartender at Islander 71, praised Himmelsbach’s heroic actions. “We as his friends and coworkers already know how special he is, but as a close friend and employee of mine, he’s truly an angel,” Standhardt told WCIV-TV. “He deserves all the credit. I can’t say we will ever forget this evening and are so grateful this accident didn’t have a different outcome.”
The Isle of Palms Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident, and USA TODAY has reached out to the department for additional information.
