Two bodies found in car pulled from Cape Fear River

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two people were found inside a car that was recovered from the Cape Fear River Friday afternoon, police say.

Multiple crews worked all day to recover a car that went over a barrier along the waterfront in downtown Wilmington and ended up in the river.

According to a statement from the Wilmington Police Department, the incident happened shortly after midnight in the area of Front and Market streets.

Someone saw a red vehicle drive over a pier and sink into the river.

Likely where the car entered the river at Market and Water St.@WWAY pic.twitter.com/2DXiBiy8l7

— Sydney Bouchelle (@sydbouchelletv) August 28, 2020

Wilmington PD said divers struggled to search this morning due to strong current in the river.

As of 3:15 p.m., WPD said they believe they have found the car, a red dodge challenger. It matches the description that was given to police by witnesses.

It was located about 35 feet down.

At 5 p.m., the car was lifted out of the water by a crane.

A red car has breached the surface.@WWAY pic.twitter.com/PxP0YIR8QF

— Sydney Bouchelle (@sydbouchelletv) August 28, 2020

As of 10 p.m., WPD said there were two men found in the recovered car. One was 31 and the other was 40.

A WPD spokeswoman said their names will be released Saturday, once the families have had some time to process.