A man has been charged with public mischief after a rescue mission at Lemon Tree Passage.
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Police from Port Stephens Local Area Command were called to the Henderson Park boat ramp about 7.30pm on Sunday. A silver sedan had been driven about 15 metres into the water and there were fears a person could be inside.
A 34-year-old man allegedly told police he was a passenger in the vehicle and had escaped, but the driver was still trapped.
Multiple resources were called to the scene including the water police, NSW Ambulance paramedics, Port Stephens SES and Maritime Services.
Two police officers entered the water and attempted to access the interior of the vehicle; however, after numerous attempts, were unsuccessful.
Both police officers, one from Traffic and Highway Patrol and the other from Raymond Terrace, were treated for hypothermia after spending 20 minutes in the water searching.
The submerged vehicle was winched closer to shore and emergency services were able to establish there was no one inside.
The man was arrested and taken for mandatory tests.
About 10.50am on Monday police attended a home in Raymond Terrace and arrested the 34-year-old man.
He was conveyed to Raymond Terrace Police Station and subsequently charged with public mischief and breach of domestic violence order.
The man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on August 22.