This is the dramatic moment a man jumps from a sinking vehicle at the last minute shortly before it sinks into a rain-swollen river.

The incident happened in Russia's Primorsky Krai when firefighters faced a dramatic rescue operation after the vehicle carrying three people was swept away by a powerful river current.

The driver attempted to cross the swollen river in the Lesozavodsky District on Saturday, 3rd May, according to the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergencies of Primorye.

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

Upon arrival, rescuers found three individuals perched on the roof of the partially submerged car, signaling for help.

Two passengers were successfully evacuated by the emergency team.

The driver however remained but efforts to retrieve the vehicle using a winch were thwarted by the intensifying current, which continued to push the car downstream.

As the situation deteriorated and the current began to push the car downstream at speed, he managed to escape by diving into the water from the sinking vehicle and managed to swim to the shore unharmed.

The vehicle was eventually recovered on the riverbank.

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

(MJ Leidig/newsX)