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Car Swept Into Sea Prompting Huge Rescue Operation From Beachgoers In Kent

Car Swept Into Sea Prompting Huge Rescue Operation From Beachgoers In Kent

The car had been parked close to the water so that the driver could unload a jet ski

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Video footage captures the moment someone's car was swept into the sea in Kent, prompting a massive rescue operation from bystanders.

The incident took place on Thursday 28 May on Whitstable Beach, where the driver had parked the Volkswagen too close to the water's edge in order to unload a jet ski.

The devastating scenes were caught on film by local Lee Dolby, 40, who began filming the car from the beach as it sat half-submerged in water.

In the video, you see a man on a jet ski riding around the car as Dolby zooms in on the vehicle, watching as it bobs about in the waves.

Another person wearing a life jacket also attempts to get hold of the vehicle, but to no avail.

The Volkswagen was swept out to sea after it was parked too close to the water.
Deadline News

Lee says in the clip: "That geezer's just lost his car."

With a crowd of onlookers looking on in horror, a third person comes along with a tow rope, wading into the water to attach it to the front of the car.

Eventually, a team of people managed to get the poor Volkswagen out of the water - including Dolby and his elder son Harry, 13 - with another video showing the soaking wet car being hauled ashore.

A huge rescue operation was mounted by bystanders to save the adrift vehicle.
Deadline

Recalling the huge rescue operation, Dolby said: "I got in to help recover the jet ski trailer and my eldest boy Harry got in to recover items that floated from car such as clothes and plastic bags, fuel cans.

"It was quiet on the beach until this happened, which caused a gathering of onlookers.

"Then a four by four pulled up and helped tow it out of the water, but obviously it wasn't able to start.

"It was moved to a safe place waiting for recovery."

Dolby and his 13-year-old son Harry helped out with the rescue operation.
Deadline News

Dolby shared his video footage on social media, writing in the caption: "Just popped down the beach for an hour with the boys and see this fella trying to unload his jet ski and parked a little too close.

"Couple of waves came and claimed his car!"

Unsurprisingly, the shocking clip soon went viral with more than 3,000 shares, with many commenting to say how amusing they found the hairy situation.

The car was eventually recovered, but wouldn't start after its soaking.
Deadline

One person wrote: "How is that even possible. He must have reversed it that far in the back wheels were in the water ffs hahah."

Someone else said: "It's like a James Bond movie in reverse."

A third added: "Ahaha how funny is that though."

Featured Image Credit: Deadline News

Topics: Viral, UK News, News