Driver charged in Southport after vehicle crashes in Cape Fear River
A 63-year-old driver faces charges following a single vehicle collision in Southport Tuesday night which left his vehicle submerged in the Cape Fear River.
Michael Ray Dart of North Chesterfield, Virginia, was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Dart's car left the roadway at Waterfront Park in Southport and crashed into the Cape Fear River approximately 40 yards from shore, according to a Thursday news release from Southport police.
Dart has been charged with driving while impaired (DWI), according to the release. The incident is still under investigation and other charges may be forthcoming.
Around 11:25 p.m. on Tuesday, officers with the Southport Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a single vehicle going over the bulkhead at Waterfront Park, according to a news release from the Southport police. One vehicle was located drifting in the river with one occupant yelling for help.
Officers tried to throw life preservers but could not reach the occupant, according to the release. Southport fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and the United States Coast Guard arrived on scene and successfully rescued the occupant. The driver was transported to medical units at Southport Marina and later treated and released from the Dosher Memorial Hospital.
As of Wednesday morning, crews had located the submerged vehicle. Towboat U.S. helped to recover the vehicle -- a 2024 Nissan Rouge.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Southport police respond to vehicle in Cape Fear River, rescue driver
