PICTURES: Car removed from River Nairn after man plunged into harbour; Eyewitnesses say driver lucky to get out
An elderly man has been described as "very lucky" after his car was plunged into the sea at Nairn Harbour earlier today.
Police, the Ambulance Service, the Coastguard and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended at the scene at River Nairn, near Nairn Harbour, shortly after 11am after reports of a Citroën saloon car entering the water.
Eyewitnesses said the driver managed to exit his vehicle and scrambled towards nearby rocks where a police officer in a vehicle was flagged down by passers by, and assisted him to safety using a lifebelt.
Those on the scene said he was "very lucky to get out."
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We became aware of a vehicle having entered the water at Nairn Harbour shortly before 11am on Wednesday January 27.
"The male driver was rescued from the water and has been checked over by the Ambulance Service.
"Recovery has been arranged for the vehicle."
It is understood the tide was at sufficient level to break the vehicle's fall as it plunged off the west pier into the river.
A spokeswoman for the fire service said: "We were called by Police Scotland to reported of a person in the water at Nairn Harbour at 11.01am.
"Two appliances attended at the scene. A person was removed from the water.
"The person was then taken into the care of the Ambulance Service."
The man has been taken to Raigmore Hospital after suffering from hypothermia.
It is believed the car was plunged into the water accidentally.
