top Police officer's son ploughed into the sea said last night: "I just acted on instinct.'' Mr. Binns said he was driving in front of the car when Sunday's accident occurred at 3.30 a.m.

The vehicle was being driven by Mr. Grant Forbes, son of deputy Police Commissioner Mr. Alex Forbes.

It went overboard off Malabar Road, Sandys, injuring two passengers, Mr. Brice Place and Mr. Boris Place.

Said Mr. Binns: "I immediately jumped into the sea. The car was almost totally submerged -- only the bumper was sticking out.

"It was very dark, and I really just acted on instinct. Two of the men were already out of the car when I dived in.

"The third, however, was trapped in the back seat, and was injured, although conscious.'' Mr. Binns said he managed to haul the man through the car window and to safety.

Last night Mr. Boris Place and Mr. Brice Place were making "satisfactory'' progress in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

It is thought the car belonged to soccer player Mr. Mike Corday, who recently married Mr Forbes' sister Amanda.