AUTOMOBILE (at left) plunged into the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach and was rescued (HBPD photo).

An automobile went off Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach on Wednesday and plunged into Bolsa Chica Wetlands, necessitating a rescue by police.

HBPD and the Huntington Beach Fire Department responded to reports of a car submerged in the wetlands near Warner Avenue. Officers were able to pull the occupant from the vehicle and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation until paramedics took over.

The driver was taken to a local hospital in critical but stable condition.

California State Parks employees were also involved in the response to the incident.