One dead after car plunged into river with driver still inside following rescue operation

A man has died after their car plunged into the River Dart.

Divers were spotted entering the water earlier today after a vehicle with a person inside fell into the River Dart. were called to the scene opposite the Dartmouth Lifeboat Centre earlier this morning (Sunday, November 10). The sole occupant of the vehicle, a person in their 80s, is said to have died.

A cordon remained in place as dozens of emergency service members attempted to get the person out of the waters with videos on social media showing divers suiting up to dive into the water in their rescue operation. It has since been reported that the car has been recovered from the waters.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The embankment area was closed, and cordons was put in place for much of the day. These have since been lifted. Police would like to thank the public for their support during the incident." Police said a file has been passed to the coroner and the death is not believed to be suspicious.

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The identity of the occupant of the vehicle remains unknown at this time. are asking members of the public to avoid the area and confirmed they were alerted to the plunge at 8.40am. An earlier statement from the force reads: "Emergency services are currently at the scene on the south Embankment, Dartmouth, following reports of a car in the water.

"Police were notified at around 8.40am this morning, Sunday 10 November, to reports that a car had plunged into the water opposite the Dartmouth Lifeboat Centre. Officers and other emergency crews were swiftly deployed and are at the scene. One person, who was the sole occupant, is believed to have died.

"The embankment area has been closed and cordons are expected to be in place for much of the day. The public is being asked to avoid the area at this time. Next of Kin are not known and being sought. Please be mindful of this if at the scene and avoid publishing identifiable factors of vehicle."

Footage from the scene shows a large police presence and a cordon preventing people from heading further down the street towards the scene of the plunge. A bystander at the scene speaking to says the emergency services response is now being reduced after more than three hours at the scene.

One local said: "Lower Ferry spotted the car and reported it. There are about 15 emergency cars/ vans/ fire brigade, but no ambulance activity. Lower Ferry is working again and we are now having the remembrance parade." The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the ambulance, fire, RNLI and the HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter were all called to the scene.

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