If you’re planning to traverse a water body in your vehicle, it’s vital to ensure you are well-prepared. If the water is too deep, the current too forceful, or your vehicle isn’t suitable for the task (which applies to most vehicles), things can quickly turn sour, especially when dealing with a river.
Encountering a car stall in a puddle might not be a major issue, but trying to conquer a raging river in what appears to be a standard SUV turned into a nightmare for the driver of a Mitsubishi Montero in the Dominican Republic last weekend. The front of the Mitsubishi was lifted off the river bed shortly after the attempt, leading to a series of unfortunate events.
Edgardo Cestero Jr via Facebook
The small SUV was swiftly swept away by the strong current, traveling hundreds of feet downstream. Despite the vehicle being submerged at times, no occupants emerged until the very end of the incident.
It remains a mystery why the occupants didn’t leave the vehicle earlier. It’s possible that the vehicle lost power due to water damage.
The specific Montero/Pajero involved is a third-generation model, produced from 1999 to 2006. As per the owner’s manual, the safe wading depth is approximately 600 mm, which is around 23.6 inches, though actual owners indicate it may be even less. Clearly, the river was deeper than two feet, resulting in a challenging journey from one side to the other for any vehicle.
The video’s conclusion shows three individuals seated safely on top of the truck after it had been carried downstream for several hundred yards, indicating no injuries. However, the vehicle will require extensive repairs before it can be deemed roadworthy again, assuming they manage to retrieve it from the river’s grasp. That, undoubtedly, will be the most challenging part.
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