Two Navy Sailors Rescue Driver from Submerged Vehicle in Pensacola
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A dramatic rescue unfolded Sunday night in Pensacola after a vehicle crashed into Bayou Chico Creek and became fully submerged. Two Navy sailors stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola jumped into action, pulling the driver to safety.
What Happened:
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
A white Mercedes driven by a 37 year old Pensacola man was traveling east in the westbound lanes of US 98 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle ran a red light, continued through a Murphy’s Express parking lot, struck a concrete bollard, broke through a chain link fence, and entered the SW Greenway boardwalk area before crashing into Bayou Chico Creek.
The vehicle quickly became completely submerged.
Rescue by Navy Sailors
Two Navy sailors assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command at NAS Pensacola witnessed the crash and immediately responded.
One sailor jumped from the boardwalk into the water after hearing the driver knocking from inside the submerged vehicle. He broke through the sunroof, pulled the driver out, and brought him toward shore.
The second sailor assisted in pulling the driver out of the water and began administering first aid until Escambia County EMS arrived on scene.
The first sailor then returned to the submerged vehicle to ensure no one else was inside.
Injuries and Medical Response
The driver was transported to Baptist Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Authorities reported that a medical emergency likely caused the crash.
The sailor who entered the water sustained injuries during the rescue and was also treated at a local hospital.
Sailors Identified
On March 18, 2026, the Navy identified the two sailors involved in the rescue during a press briefing at NAS Pensacola:
• Navy Airman Skyluv Rios of El Paso, Texas
• Navy Airman Jesse Arguello of American Fork, Utah
Both are students at Aviation Schools Command.
A Quick Response That Saved a Life
The actions of the two sailors prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome. Their immediate response and willingness to enter the water ensured the driver was safely removed from a submerged vehicle within minutes.
Incidents like this highlight the level of training and readiness of service members stationed in Pensacola, as well as the importance of quick action in emergency situations.
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