Car plunges off Balboa Island Ferry into Newport Harbor

A car fell off the Balboa Island Ferry and ended up submerged in Newport Harbor on Tuesday evening, authorities said.

The ferry was approaching its landing on the Balboa Peninsula around 5 p.m. when an older-model Lexus rolled off the front of the boat before it was completely docked, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol.

Harbor Patrol officials said they aren’t sure what caused the car to move, but the Coast Guard is investigating.

The person in the car escaped unhurt before it plunged into the water, according to the Harbor Patrol.

Sheriff’s Department officials said the ferry was shut down for the rest of the evening while a salvage company removed the car.

In June, a Toyota Prius on the ferry lurched forward and ended up with its front end hanging off the boat’s bow. Crews were able to prevent that car from falling overboard, and no one was hurt.

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Jeremiah Dobruck, jeremiah.dobruck2@latimes.com

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck