POLICE search and rescue divers have been called in to retrieve a car dumped at Lake Hume.
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The white Hyundai Sonata was driven into the lake on Saturday night and was seen sinking by people on nearby boats.
They had been unable to see if there was anyone inside the car, raising police concerns.
Specialist divers from the Melbourne-based squad were needed to attach chains to the vehicle to tow it out on Monday.
They examined the car while it was underwater and did not find anyone inside.
Acting Sergeant Jack Harrington said police were investigating whether the vehicle was connected to any offences.
“We’re trying to find the owner of the car,” he said.
“It may or may not have been involved in a crime.”
The vehicle, which had no number plates, was listed to a Wodonga address but had not been reported as stolen.
Officers are working to determine how it came to be dumped near Eucalypt Drive at Bellbridge.
Acting Sergeant Harrington said police occasionally recovered cars in Border waterways, especially when water levels dropped.
Two stolen cars have been recovered by Wodonga officers in recent days.
Acting Sergeant Mark Braun of the search and rescue squad said the unit was called in to recover evidence across the state, including guns, knives and safes.
“There is limited visibility,” he said of Lake Hume.
“The divers got about 10cm of visibility but it’s a clean waterway compared to some of the places we dive at around Melbourne.
“It’s quite refreshing to be diving in an area like this today.”
The four members spent several hours at the scene recovering the vehicle.
“Hopefully our efforts will assist local officers with our investigations,” Acting Sergeant Braun said.
“Diving has its challenges.
“In zero visibility you need to have your wits about you and go by feel.
“You need to be careful, cautious and safe.”
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
