Islander 71 employees rushed to help couple who accidentally drove into water

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – A dramatic rescue took place at the Isle of Palms Marina over the weekend after a couple ended up driving into the water .

The couple had eaten dinner at Islander 71. When they left, they accidentally drove into the water at the marina – and that’s when employees at the restaurant jumped into action.

“It was probably 10:40-ish,” recalled John Himmelsbach, who helped to rescue the couple. “We were closing down – we close at 10, so a couple of us were still outside clearing the bar down.”

Himmelsbach saw and heard something strange over by the water.

“I just noticed like a light out of the side of my eye and then heard a weird noise like a splash,” he said. “So, then I walked over, and I peaked over here and sure enough there’s a car just floating about halfway out and two people. I could hear the horn going, so I thought maybe they were passed out or something happened like an accident.”

He jumped into action.

“Kind of scaled around that gray fence and then hopped in there and luckily, as I was swimming up, the windows were down, and I was able to help them out.>

While he was responding, his coworkers were as well.

“Another one of my staff, Cash Luther, also was in the water and assisted the passenger. I also learned that one of our bartenders, Shannan Standhart, was actually calling the firehouse and running to it,” said Christopher Sollom, the restaurant’s general manager.

The couple was brought out of the water before rescue crews arrived. Everyone was safe.

“I mean honestly it was kind of a blur. It kind of happened really quick. They were pretty calm for the most part- almost too calm. I was like guys this car is sinking. We need to get out of here,” said Himmelsbach.

And just after the two got out…

“By the time I got back up here, I turned around, and the lights were underwater submerged,” he said.

Former Isle of Palms Councilman Rusty Streetman sent an email to everyone on the council and the mayor about the incident.

“We have a special very special award on the Isle of Palms, it’s for citizen service,” said Streetman.

He hopes to see the three who helped out recognized with that award.

Hemmelsbach said he would be honored, but that was not the reason he stepped up.

“It’s that old golden rule, man. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So raised by good parents, got a good family, and just trying to make them proud.”

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