Police recover victim after car submerged at Dundee Downs boat ramp

Police have recovered the body of a man who died after he was unable to escape from a car that rolled into croc-infested waters – some of which had to be “destroyed” during the operation. LATEST.

Northern Territory Police investigate an incident where a person died in a submerged car. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Updated 6pm: NT Police have recovered the body of a young man who tragically died stuck in a car that rolled into the waters at a popular fishing spot.

The man is believed to have been unable to escape the vehicle, while his fellow occupant was taken to hospital for his injuries.

Police are working to formally identify the man and are in contact with his family.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said the recovery of the vehicle was made more difficult due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles.

“This was a difficult recovery, and made more complicated due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles,” he said.

“A number of which were destroyed to ensure safety of those involved in the recovery operation.”

The vehicle had been significantly damaged in a crash immediately before it went into the water.

The surviving occupant is still in hospital and is not believed to have suffered any serious physical injuries.

Anyone who saw a white utility in the area near Six Pack Creek on Thursday is urged to make contact with police on 131 444, and reference 24017950.

Police working to recover submerged car

Earlier: A person has likely been trapped in a car that was submerged in the waters at a popular Top End fishing spot.

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway at 7am Friday said he understood a person had died in the submerged vehicle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lindner on Friday Morning said police had received reports that a car had crashed into the water near Six Pack Creek boat ramp at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

He said two people had been in the car, with one who was able to get out, before the vehicle sank.

The second person reportedly did not resurface.

Sergeant Lindner said as at Friday morning, the vehicle remained underwater, and the Major Crash Investigation Unit, Water Police and general duties officers were working to recover the car.

“This is a complex recovery effort and NT Police are yet to confirm [that] a person remains in the vehicle,” he said.

“There are currently roadblocks in place along Barramundi Dr and the Javalin Rd intersections and we are urging motorists to avoid the area.

“Anyone who witnessed a white utility being driven in the area yesterday afternoon, or anyone with knowledge of those involved and how the crash occurred, is urged to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference 24017950.”

Originally published as Police recover victim after car submerged at Dundee Downs boat ramp