PORT TOWNSEND — A driving lesson turned into a dunk in the Boat Haven marina when the student hit the gas instead of the brakes.
A man, woman and toddler emerged safely from the water and declined any medical assistance, said Bill Beezley, spokesman for East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, which was alerted to the mishap at 6:46 p.m. Tuesday.
None of those involved were identified.
The man, 26, was providing a driving lesson to a 21-year-old woman in a Chevrolet Trailblazer, Beezley said.
She pulled into a parking space facing the water, just across from Gold Star Marine in the Boat Haven, but mistook the gas pedal for the brake, he said.
The sport utility vehicle raced over the parking curb, burst through a wooden fence and flew into 20 feet of water near the heavy haul-out area.
The couple also had a 13-month-old child in the SUV.
By the time firefighters and medics arrived, the couple had climbed from the SUV with the child and made it safely to shore.
The area was monitored for environmental issues while a crane lifted the SUV from the water.
No environmental damage resulted from the incident, said Jim Pivarnik, Port of Port Townsend deputy director.
The port spent about $1,000 to hire divers and operate the crane to recover the car, he said.
“It didn’t turn over, and there were no leaks,” Pivarnik said, adding, “I hope they have insurance so we can get reimbursed.”
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday. Potential charges will be determined in the next week, said Sgt. Jason Greenspane of the Port Townsend Police Department.
