Visitors at a popular South West beach were presented with an unusual sight as a van parked too close to the shore was gradually swallowed by the incoming tide. The bizarre incident even saw a surfer nearby appeared unfazed, caught on video effortlessly catching waves beside the sinking vehicle.
The person recording the scene at Crackington Haven in Cornwall couldn’t hide their amusement as they exclaimed: “Oh, that is absolutely brilliant,” while watching the surfer and the stranded van.
Footage showing the van’s plight emerged online on Friday, revealing just how precariously it was positioned – a mere 20 yards from dry land yet steadily succumbing to the Atlantic’s embrace. The waters lashed against the vehicle, sloshing over its bonnet and roof, revealing it had been towing a boat which, in later images, was seen adrift and separate from its transporter.
This clip has sparked chatter on Facebook, with one commentator saying: “The surfer made it for me. Felt sorry for the owner but it all made for an entertaining afternoon with help on hand.”
Another jokingly quipped: “Hope he’s paid and displayed”, reports Cornwall Live. Meanwhile, a third commenter humorously remarked: “Don’t think that’s a surfboard.”
Located near Boscastle, Crackington Haven beckons visitors throughout the year with its Atlantic waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming or, during autumn, for those seeking to watch the powerful sea bash against cliffside rocks.
Cornwall’s beaches often witness such scenarios, predominantly during the ‘silly season’ when holidaymakers underestimate the tides, leading to unexpected predicaments like this one.
For the residents, such blunders are all too familiar. From vehicles being driven in the wrong direction towards a beach to cars getting trapped after venturing onto the sand, these incidents occur annually.
However, it’s not only tourists who find themselves in a pickle. Recently, Cornwall Council employees found themselves in a sticky spot when their rubbish lorry got stuck in the sand at Fistral Beach in Newquay.
Despite their best efforts, they spent several hours trying to extricate the vehicle.