The North Holland Canal, which connects Amsterdam to the naval port, Den Helder, was closed to shipping for several hours, Expatica reported.

The man's troubles began as he crossed the canal near Schoorldam, a village about 30 miles north of Amsterdam, when he spotted a pigeon that had become caught in a bridge railing. He stopped, left his car and attempted to free the bird.

While he was on his mission of mercy, his car rolled away and into the canal. Several hours later, it was hauled out.