Divers called in to help remove submerged car removed from Tikitapu

A submerged car was removed from Tikitapu (Blue Lake) by contractors yesterday afternoon after it "launched" into the lake about midnight.

Divers from Tauranga, traffic management, and a tow truck helped remove the car which became submerged in the lake shortly after 12am.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council compliance officer Jacqui Mackle said motorists from Tarawera Rd were slowed to 30km/h from the intersection of Okareka Loop Rd to allow for the removal of the car.

A car submerged in Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Photo / Ben Fraser

"A squad of three divers will help the tow truck with securing ropes and strops around the vehicle. The tow truck will have to be on a certain angle to get the car out without damaging the lake or the banks.

"The car was not snagged on anything. We just had to be careful we didn't damage the lake bed."

Mackle said the regional council spill truck was also on site to contain potential spills of petrol or fluids from the car.

A police media spokeswoman said police were made aware of the car in the lake at 6.53am and were on the scene shortly after 7am.

A car is submerged in Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Photo / Ben Fraser

She said a car was completely submerged, off Tarawera Rd near the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park. Holiday park worker John Alexander said he got a call from the driver of the car shortly after midnight and gave him a lift home.

"He told me the brakes had failed and launched off into the lake."

A police spokesman said police had made an arrest in relation to the incident.