In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 17-year-old girl is fighting for her life after a car she was in plunged into the depths of Lake Washington. The incident, which occurred on a fateful Saturday evening, has left the community shaken and authorities scrambling to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident.

A Desperate Race Against Time

The incident unfolded at the Atlantic City Boat Ramp in Rainier Beach, where the 17-year-old girl and her 20-year-old sister were in a car. Authorities reported that the car, for reasons still under investigation, rolled into the lake just before 6:00 p.m. The older sister managed to escape the submerged vehicle, but the younger sibling remained trapped inside.Rescuers from the Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Police Department's Harbor Patrol immediately sprang into action, launching a frantic search and rescue operation. Divers braved the murky waters, battling against the darkness and the frigid temperature of the lake, which hovers around 54 degrees. After a harrowing 30-minute ordeal, the 17-year-old was finally located and brought to the surface.

A Desperate Struggle for Survival

The young victim was in critical condition when she was pulled from the water, and medics on the shore worked tirelessly to administer life-saving measures. An ambulance rushed her to Harborview Medical Center, where she remains in a critical state, fighting for her life.The incident has left the community shaken, with one eyewitness, Ben Salehi, recounting the harrowing scene. "I thought there was nothing wrong because sometimes people are drunk and, like, playing," he told KIRO 7, "but then I spotted the car, almost entirely submerged."

Investigating the Cause: Alcohol and Impairment Suspected

According to authorities, the 20-year-old sister was tested for impairment and found to have signs of intoxication. "Officers actually tested the 20-year-old female for impairment and found she did have signs of impairment," said Seattle Police Detective Brian Pritchard. "You can't be around water if you're drinking or impaired in any kind of way. It's just a recipe for a nightmare."The incident is now being investigated as a possible case of vehicular assault, with the 20-year-old sister potentially facing charges of Driving Under the Influence and Vehicular Assault. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the exact circumstances that led to the car plunging into the lake, with the hope of preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Illuminating the Darkness: Firefighters' Heroic Efforts

The rescue operation was further complicated by the darkness of the night, which made it challenging for the divers to locate and retrieve the trapped victim. Firefighters from the Seattle Fire Department played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, raising two aerial ladders with lights over the boat launch to illuminate the scene and aid the search."Visibility made it challenging because it's so dark and the visibility in the water and underneath the surface of the water is so low that that also makes it difficult," said Seattle Fire Department Spokesperson Kaila Lafferty.

A Cautionary Tale: The Dangers of Impaired Driving Near Water

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, especially in proximity to bodies of water. "People need to be very careful because that's very deep," warned eyewitness Ben Salehi, underscoring the perilous nature of the situation.As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when operating vehicles near water, and to never engage in any activities that could compromise their safety or the safety of others. The well-being of the 17-year-old girl remains the top priority, and the community stands united in hope for her recovery.