A Volvo car was lost to the incoming tide on Brean Beach on Monday (August 3rd) after it became stuck in mud and soft sand.
The vehicle – owned by a visiting family from London – had been driven too far down the beach and its wheels sank into the soft sand, as pictured here.
Burnham Coastguards were called to the scene but, after checking that the family was safely away from the vehicle, there was nothing they coyld do to save the vehicle.
A Burnham Coastguard spokesman said: “A couple had taken their car on the beach and the driver wanted to get closer to the water and, just as his wife said to stop, the front wheels dug in as the soft sand gave way under the weight of the car instantly trapping it as the tide advanced towards them.”
“As we know the tide in this area is fast incoming and despite help from onlookers to free it before the cold salt water started lapping at the wheels it would not budge and the water continued to rise quickly until the vehicle was completely engulfed and submerged beneath the murky waves.”
“Our team were responding to ensure there was no risk to any persons and when we arrived only the roof was visible which soon disappeared too.”
“After checking on the owners and ensuring everyone was safe and no one was in any need of medical attention we liaised with our Coastguard Operations Centre and the car owners about recovery, due to the tide times it will not be safely accessible until tomorrow afternoon which means it will have had a second tide over it so it will have been a very expensive trip to the beach for them.”
“Again this shows the importance of knowing your surroundings and beach safety. This kind of error stirs up a lot of anger locally but we would like to say that no one walks away scot-free in this kind of incident.”
“This couple have lost their car, their transport home, their personal belongings and countless bills plus however long they will be without a car and that’s without the emotional strain this brings.”
“So although it could’ve been avoided the lesson is learnt and the cost is already high and the most important thing is that all concerned are safe. So let’s leave the negative comments at the door, and instead just give it a thumbs up and even repost it somewhere helpful, we all learn better if the message is positive. If you see anyone or you are in danger or difficulty while along the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Pictured: The vehicle stuck in the sea this evening (Photos: Burnham-On-Sea.com, PGC Contracting)
