Martin County Fire Rescue units were dispatched soon after 8:00 a.m. on February 7 to reports of a car submerged in pond. Upon arrival, responders discovered a single vehicle fully submerged. Before emergency services arrived, a bystander had already rescued one of the vehicle's occupants. Firefighters and paramedics treated the guy before he was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries.

Martin County Fire Rescue dive team members entered the water to ensure that no further people were still inside the vehicle and to aid with scene operations. Officials stated that the bystander's prompt efforts and the coordinated response of emergency workers contributed to the situation being handled properly. There were no further people in the vehicle.