by Failed Boat Launch
Towing accidents happen constantly, often due to drivers ignoring safety measures meant to keep several thousand pounds of metal in place. We don’t know exactly what went wrong, and those involved would probably prefer we knew even less. However, as a spectacle, it’s hard to look away from.
This clip, posted on Reddit in the CantParkThereMate thread, shows in real time how quickly a boat launch turns into a rescue operation when no one on the ramp knows what they are doing. The video begins with a black Hummer H3 half submerged in the water, with a small boat attached behind it. From there, the situation rapidly deteriorates.
Moment of the Incident
A man in a gray t-shirt sits on the boat, desperately trying to detach the hitch. As he does this, the Hummer sinks quickly, with the driver remaining inside, seemingly unable to open the door.
In just a few seconds, the entire front and rear sections of the H3’s cabin submerge before the car’s nose appears to hit the bottom of the lake, preventing further sinking. The man on the boat frantically tries to open the trunk but fails, clearly fearing for the driver’s safety. Fortunately, the driver emerges from the water moments later, seemingly unharmed after his close encounter with death, but perhaps a bit out of breath.
Gone in 60 Seconds
Reddit Video
Needless to say, this Hummer H3’s time on the road is over. While it was designed with a certain military toughness, it was never intended to be a submarine. Even if it could be salvaged and potentially restored, it’s not worth anyone’s effort to do so.
It’s unclear what happened immediately after the video cut off, although one of the men asks bystanders to call a tow truck. In hindsight, they probably should have asked for help a bit earlier.
This incident serves as a reminder that even the most powerful SUVs are not designed for swimming, and negligence on the water can lead to swift and costly consequences. Drivers should always check their hitches and water depth before driving onto a ramp, as a few seconds of inattention can cost a car, and sometimes a life. Although this story ended without injuries, it is a stark example of how haste and lack of preparation can turn an ordinary day at the shore into real drama.
