The incident that took place in St. Augustine, Florida, was a harrowing experience for two 18-year-old women. They found themselves trapped inside a car as it began to sink in a nearby pond. The passenger vividly recalled the fight for her life and the terrifying moments that followed.

A Tale of Survival in a Sinking Car

Initial Crash and Panic

On a Saturday morning, these two young women were on their way. One of them, tired from a long day at work, misjudged the distance and swerved right into the pond. The impact was immediate, and water started pouring into the car. "We just crashed into the water. Please hurry, there is water coming into the car," one of the women cried out. The other woman was equally terrified, stating, "I was scared off my (expletive), I couldn’t move my legs."The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office was quick to respond. Deputies arrived within minutes and began to assess the situation. "Watch out, watch out!" a deputy shouted. "Get out of the car. Can you swim?" Their concern was palpable as they tried to guide the women to safety.

Personal Struggles and Challenges

The passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, had recently been in an accident a month prior and was still suffering from nerve damage. She couldn't feel her legs and had doubts about her swimming ability. "The moment I stood up on the seat to jump out of the window, my legs gave out, and I fell face forward into the water," she recounted.Despite these difficulties, she and her friend managed to find a way to reach the deputies. Deputy Jayde Glines showed remarkable courage by jumping into the water and creating a human chain. His actions were crucial in ensuring the safety of the women. "If we weren’t there on time, those girls were going to stay in the car," Glines said.

Public Reaction and Deputy's Perspective

Some people online questioned why more deputies didn't jump into the water. Deputy Glines explained the reasoning. "If we go in, and they start jumping on top of us and sinking us down, it’s a deep pond. Then we’re in a worse situation trying to get now more people out of the water." His words shed light on the complex nature of such situations.According to deputies, exhaustion was a major factor in the crash. It serves as a reminder of the importance of taking breaks and being cautious on the road.As for the passenger, she is still dealing with the aftermath. She said she's still struggling with her legs and will need shock therapy. But she is grateful for the quick response of the deputies and is proud to have made it out. "I feel proud of myself, like I feel like a genuine survivor," she said.Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox