This is the dramatic moment a driver plunges into a rain-swollen river as his car is swept away.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergencies of Primorye reported that the driver attempted to cross the waters in Lesozavodsky District on Saturday, May 3, when the incident occurred.

The UAZ vehicle, a rugged Russian-made off-road car often used in rural areas and by emergency services, became stranded in the middle of the river as the current was too strong for the driver to navigate.

Firefighters found three individuals perched on the roof of the partially submerged car, signalling for help.

Two passengers were successfully evacuated by the emergency team.

The driver, however, remained in the vehicle, but efforts to retrieve it using a winch were hindered by the intensifying current, which pushed the car further downstream.

As the situation worsened and the car was rapidly carried downstream, the driver managed to escape by diving into the water and swimming to the shore unharmed.

The vehicle was eventually recovered from the riverbank.

The ministry said it continues to monitor the situation as flooding affects multiple areas within Primorsky Krai.