Tesla Plunges Into Icy Waters After Pedal Mixup, Floating Sauna Offers Warm Rescue

A driver and passenger in a Tesla experienced an unexpected plunge into the frigid waters of a Norwegian fjord while enjoying the scenic pier in Oslo. Luckily for them, a group of sauna enthusiasts relaxing on a nearby vessel quickly came to their rescue.

The dramatic scene unfolded on Thursday, February 1st, at Akershusstranda, Oslo’s bustling ship docking area.

Amidst gasps from onlookers and cell-phone clicks, the Tesla, which appears to be either a Model 3 or Y (the low-resolution footage makes it hard to tell), began its descent into the frigid waters. As captured by bystanders, the vehicle’s two occupants quickly exited the electric car and sought refuge atop its roof to escape the icy depths below.

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Fortunately, a houseboat-like vessel was approaching them, and its passengers extended a helping hand to pull the shocked and stranded duo onboard. The floating sauna boat’s captain, Nicholay Nordahl, recounted the rescue efforts to the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG), stating:

“One of the guests alerted me that a car had fallen into the water. I quickly steered towards the people climbing out of the car. With the assistance of two guests, we managed to pull them aboard, and they found warmth in the sauna.”

The relieved Tesla driver, who was not identified by name, expressed his gratitude, stating, “They truly helped save our lives.”

A witness at the scene reported that the electric car was initially stationary before suddenly accelerating and plunging into the water. The driver of the Tesla confirmed as much to VG, stating that he mistakenly pressed the accelerator, thinking the car was in park. “Then it drove into the water. It was a very unsettling feeling,” he told the newspaper.

Both the driver and passenger were fortunate to escape injuries, but as a precaution, they were taken to the hospital. As for their submerged Tesla, it was later successfully retrieved from the water with the help of a crane.

Screenshot Corriere della Sera/YouTube