Heroic Beach Rescue

 

A BRAVE beachgoer smashed a window to rescue a man trapped in his car, after it was driven into the freezing water off the seafront.

Concerned onlookers witnessed as a red Ford Fiesta drove into the tide on Western Esplanade, near Oliver’s on the Beach Cafe, on the afternoon of Sunday January 5th.

A member of the public walked towards the stranded vehicle before pulling the driver to safety, where coastguards and paramedics treated him.

One of the assisting party, Lee Rainforth, had noticed the car in trouble on the shore and smashed the car window with a rock.

The former firefighter reported that on arrival at the vehicle, it was found to be floating and the electric windows would not open.

Mr Rainforth managed to get the man to the shore with the help of another bystander who also entered the water.

A spokesman for the HM Coastguard Southend, said: “At 1.39pm we were tasked to reports of a car that had entered the water by Olivers Cafe Westcliff with reports of a person inside the vehicle.

“Upon arrival the occupant of the vehicle was already out of the vehicle and water and receiving care from paramedics who were now on scene.

“HM Coastguard officers then needed to establish that no other occupants were in the vehicle, it was quickly determined that no other persons were involved.

“HM Coastguard, Essex Police and Paramedics then conducted further investigations talking to witnesses and to ensure that the casualty was receiving the right care.”

The Coastguard thanked the members of the public who assisted in the rescue, but sounded a note of caution about putting themselves at risk.

They stated: “HM Coastguard Southend would like to say a huge thanks to the members of the public who entered the water, at risk to themselves, to help extract the casualty from the vehicle in what was a very dynamic incident, which was evolving quickly before emergency first responders could reach the scene.

“Whilst we would never encourage members of the public to put themselves at risk, when they do and there is a successful outcome, it shows the community spirit we have in our City when someone goes to help someone in need.

“As the persons involved had already left the scene, we were not able to speak and thank them directly.

“The team would also like to thank Olivers on the Beach for allowing the casualty to initially recover in the cafe whilst awaiting attendance of emergency responders.”

Later in the evening, the Coastguard retuned to extract the vehicle with Essex Police Vehicle Recovery team.

The car was later safely removed and determined no pollutants in the area from the car.

The Coastguard added: “We thank members of the public for their cooperation whilst we extracted the vehicle when at times, we had to close the road adjacent to the promenade for safety reasons, for those recovering the vehicle.

“We wish the casualty in question a full and quick recovery.

“Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life.”

 

Picture: extracting the car. Pic HM Coastgaurd

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