Moment brave ex-soldier plunged into a lake to try and save tragic car plunge couple
The hero stripped down and dived into freezing water
THIS is the dramatic moment an ex-soldier dived into freezing water to try and save an elderly couple after their car plunged into a lake.
Brave Paul Brain, 45, stripped down and swam out to reach the pair after their Peugeot 408 reversed into Hooe Lake in Plymouth, Devon.
After trying desperately to free the couple alone, the ex-soldier was then able to help police drag them out.
Sadly the couple, who haven't been formally identified, died after they were airlifted to hospital following the tragic incident on Thursday.
Hero Paul, who was in the army for 22 years, said he wished he had done more to try and save the pair.
He added: "I looked out the window of her studio and saw the car. I heard a nurse screaming for help. I stripped off to my boxers and didn’t even think about it.
";I couldn’t get deep enough to get to the front of the car.
"I couldn’t open any doors and I tried to smash the windows. I didn’t realise how deep it was."
A cop arrived on the scene and around ten minutes later was able to free the couple with the help of Paul, who was a sergeant with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.
He said: "He was fitter and healthier than me - I managed to get down but couldn’t open the windows.
"The doors were either locked or held shut. He [the policeman] managed to get down and get the guy out the window. I wish there was more I could have done."
Former police officer Steve Kendall drove past the silver Peugeot estate just moments before it plunged 20ft into the lake with two elderly people inside.
He handed Paul a hammer which was used to smash the car windows and pull the driver from the wreck.
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The ex-cop said: "It’s supernatural what that member of the public did.
"It was incredibly brave and he gave it his all but unfortunately, he couldn’t save them.
"It was incredibly dark down there and I think they were both quite disorientated because the car had turned over when it sank.
"He deserves recognition for what he did, and so does the officer. I’m going to be recommending the police officer for some sort of commendation. They were incredibly brave."
Devon and Cornwall Police said the submerged car ended up on its roof after entering Hooe Lake in Turnchapel, Plymouth.
It is thought the 75-year-old male driver accidentally pushed the accelerator instead of the brake causing the car to lose control.
A statement released by the family to the named the woman victim only as Barbara or Barb - nicknamed Nanny Purple.
It read: "Our dearest Barbara (Barb). A fine, gregarious woman, who had a vibrant hunger for life. Similar to a giddy teenager at times, she made us laugh with her dance moves, and proper janner tones.
"We absolutely adored her and will evidently miss her. Our hearts ache and our thoughts are with the family and friends of her dear companion.
"We would like to say an astronomical thank you to each and every person who tried to save our special mum and nanny purple. Such heroic instincts within the community are invaluable."
Police are currently treating the death as unexplained and are appealing for witnesses.
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