An empty car was found stranded in the sea at Brean on Sunday evening (September 29th), prompting a major Coastguard search for the missing driver.
The vehicle was reported in difficulty at around 7.15pm when the fast-incoming tide surrounded it near the entrance to the main beach parking area, as pictured here.
Brean’s beach warden launched a thorough search for the missing driver along the beach, dunes and surrounding area without any success.
He then called in Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards to search for the driver, who was eventually found after a lengthy search.
A Burnham Coastguard spokesman said: “On arrival, we carried out a foot search a short distance along the shore and the rock armour to ensure they had not had any accidents on the slippery rocks.”
“Nothing was found but after liaising with the Police who contacted the registered owner there were growing concerns for the driver.”
“A search plan was formulated while we waited for the tide to recede and our flank team Weston-Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked and other police units quickly arrived at our location.”
Once the car was safe to approach we gave it a quick look over for any clues before setting off on our search plans given by our Officer In Charge.”
“Search teams were deployed along the river banks following the Coastal path, and along the beach covering a wider area.”
“One team headed North along the beach towards Brean Down searching the shore and by the seawall.”
“Once they reached the Down they headed up towards the Bird Garden and back towards the National Trust Cafe.”
“Once off the beach they were approached by a local resident who said they had spotted a person that matched our description heading along the path.”
“With this important information, they quickly headed along the path back to the road where the person was being helped by another local resident.”
“They quickly established it was our missing person and units were instantly diverted to that location for the best possible care before being handed over to the ambulance service.”
“We would like to extend huge thanks to the residents who waved us down to tell us they had spotted someone and even bigger thanks to the guy who took the time to stop and ask if the person needed help and keeping them safe until we arrived.”
“Again, we see that Mental Health is a constant battle for some and that daily struggles happen all around us every day.”
