A van was recovered from the sea at Brean last night (Thursday) by crews from Burnham-On-Sea’s BARB Search & Rescue and Coastguard after it become stranded by the tide.
The two occupants of the Renault Kangoo had walked up onto Brean Down without realising the incoming tide would reach their vehicle.
Brean beachwarden Dave Furber raised the alarm shortly after 6pm. As the tide lapped at the sides of the vehicle, Burnham Coastguards and a team from BARB Search & Rescue were called to the scene.
The driver had a shock when he eventually returned and found his vehicle surrounded by the sea.
Once the tide had receded, BARB’s crew used spades to dig free the vehicle and tow it from the beach.
Coastguard Officer Dave Welland told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The two people had parked up on the beach and taken a walk along Brean Down.”
“The Beach Warden had driven along the beach and part of the Down with a loudhailer to try and find them, but they were at the opposite end.”
“As they walked down the steps and back to the van they could see the water lapping the at the wheel arches.”
“We were paged as onlookers were advising the owner to wade out and try and drive it out of the water.”
“BARB Search & Rescue were also paged so they could winch the vehicle out once the tide had receded.”
“We arrived on scene and liaised with the Beach Warden who said that he had advised the owner against going out and he did the sensible thing and waited for assistance.”
“Once the tide had gone back out, BARB completed the recovery, and after a bit of digging and a pull it was freed from the sand and towed back up to safe ground to await a recovery truck.”
BARB Operations Manager Mike Lowe added: “The driver was very embarrassed and very grateful for our help. He said he will be making a donation to BARB to cover our costs.”
