A Transit Van could not be saved before it was swamped by the incoming tide on Brean beach on Saturday evening (April 20th).
The driver had misjudged the tide and left the vehicle parked on the beach near Brean Cove while going for a walk without realising it would be surrounded.
An onlooker called Coastguards and the team from Burnham’s BARB Search & Rescue was called to the scene.
A BARB spokesman said: “Our volunteers were called out at 7.36pm by Coastguards to reports of a transit van stranded on Brean beach with a rapidly-incoming tide around it.”
“BARB’s crewmembers made their way to the beach and confirmed that there were no occupants inside. Unfortunately, due to the state of the tide, the vehicle could not be safely retrieved.”
“Once it was confirmed that the owner had been located by the beach warden and was safely away from the vehicle, BARB’s crews were stood down by Coastguards.”
“A key safety message here is to always check the tide times before driving onto local beaches. Speak to the beach warden if you are unsure.”
The vehicle soon vanished under the incoming sea water, as pictured here. It is due to be recovered today by the owner using a commercial recovery service.
