A motorist who became stranded in mud on Brean Beach on Saturday evening (June 27th) while collecting cuttlefish shells was rescued half a mile down the beach.
The driver, from Bristol, unwittingly drove his Microcar out across the mudflats next to Brean Down at around 6pm to collect the shells on the lower part of the beach – however his car’s wheels quickly became stuck.
Brean Beach Warden Kevin Williams raised the alarm and a local tractor operated by Scott Jones came to the rescue, pulling out the mud-plugged vehicle.
The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I’m embarrassed by what I did – I was foolish to have driven so far down the beach, but I do want the incident publicised to warn others and prevent more drivers getting stuck here.”
“I was collecting cuttlefish shells washed up along the beach to give to my bantams to help strengthen their egg shells.”
“I didn’t realise how easy it would be to get stuck. I’m very grateful to the beach warden for his help and the two people who got me out with their tractor.”
Beach warden Kev Williams said: “After issuing several warnings about the dangers of driving out across the soft sand and mud here, in addition to the warning signs at the beach entrances, it is frustrating that this keeps happening.”
“It’s not worth putting yourself or your vehicle at risk by driving through the soft sand and mud – not even to collect cuttlefish shells, which has to be one of the most unique reasons we’ve heard yet.”
The driver met the costs of the vehicle recovery.
The vehicle was stuck in mud after being driven down the beach by the man inside to collect cuttlefish shells
A tractor was called to the beach in the twilight to pull the stranded car free
