Jeeps submerged by incoming tide

9:20am Tuesday 6th May 2008

Coastguards are warning motorists never to drive their cars onto sand, after two Daihatsu jeeps got stuck and flooded by the incoming tide on Saundersfoot beach yesterday (Monday).

Both drivers had been warned that the sand was very soft and that the tide was coming in, but ignored advice and headed onto the beach anyway.

The vehicles reached the outfall pipe before sinking into the sand. The drivers, one local and one from Llanelli, managed to get out of their vehicles. They tried but failed to free the jeeps from the soft sand and the tide engulfed both vehicles.

Tenby coastguard rescue team were called to prevent members of the public putting themselves in danger as more and more people tried to wade out to free the jeeps.

The vehicles finally became completely submerged by the incoming tide.

Saundersfoot Harbour Master is now in control of situation and the drivers are making arrangements for their vehicles to be removed by heavy lifting gear on the next low tide.

"The moral of this story is to always heed advice and never drive your vehicle onto sand," said a coastguard spokesman.

"Only ever drive on beaches where there are signed designated parking areas."