Police officer 'risked his life' in bid to save man trapped in car submerged in canal
A police officer who risked his life in a bid to save a man trapped in a car which had submerged in a Yorkshire canal is among nine people to be recognised for their efforts.
PC Sean Everett is one of six police officers and three firefighters who are set to be recognised for their efforts in trying to save the man after the car he was in ended up in the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Saltaire.
Tragically, and despite their best efforts, the 74-year-old driver of the silver Range Rover Evoque died following the incident on Decemver 7, 2025.
PC Everett and PC Ross Williams found the vehicle submerged with its lights on and airbags deployed. PC Everett saw a hand resting against the rear window and removed most of his heavy kit and dived into the bitterly cold water in a bid to save the stricken man.
PC Williams had been joined by PC Mosan Munir and they both alerted other emergency services.
PC Everett had opened the rear door of the vehicle when PC Williams also removed his heavy kit and dived into the water.
PC Everett then dragged the man five metres through the freezing water to the bank and PC Williams and PC Munir managed to pull him out.
PC Williams carried out CPR in a bid to revive the man, alongside three other officers - PCs Jake Hanson, Samuel Harrison and a third officer who cannot be named - who also carried out CPR.
Three firefighters who had arrived on the scene - Jonathan Hendry, Andrew Hounslow, and Baber Hussain - took over to give the man CPR and used a defibrillator in a last gasp bid to save his life.
However, despite their incredible efforts the man sadly died.
PC Everett is to recieve the highest award possible by the Royal Humane Society - a testimonial on vellum - while the other eight members of the emergency services will be awarded certificates of commendation.
The society’s secretary, Andrew Chapman, said: “ They all did a fantastic job in very poor conditions and without doubt they gave the man the best chance of survival.
“Sadly, despite all their efforts, he did not survive but they all did all that was humanly possible to save him and richly deserve the awards they are to receive.”