I’m getting a sinking feeling...
Friends faced with desperate battle to save car stuck in the Southport sand with the tide rushing in ...
FOUR friends fought for hours to try and prevent their car being consumed by the incoming tide in Southport.
Danish Yousuf, 24, told the Visiter how he spent Saturday morning trying to dig his friend’s VW Passatt out of the sand before the tide rushed in.
The four Manchester United fans had decided to set off from the Crumpsall area of north Manchester during the early hours of Saturday so they could spend the day at Ainsdale Beach.
But as they arrived their car became stuck in the sand.
Danish, who was a passenger in the car, said: “When we arrived at the beach it was still dark so we could not see the signs warning drivers about the sand and tide. “We got stuck straightaway.
“We started digging, but then we realised that the tide was coming in. We spent all morning calling for help - we phoned the emergency services and breakdown recovery companies.
“We were advised to move away from the car and wait for help to arrive.”
Danish explained how a recovery vehicle did not arrive until around 5pm the next day.
He said: “After the tide came in we had to go and sit on the beach and just wait. We were all cold, wet and tired. Help did not arrive until 5pm so we were all day on the beach.”
Danish told the Visiter how the rescue cost hundreds of pounds.
He said: “It cost about £450 to get the car off the beach and back
to Manchester.”
Despite their ordeal, Danish said they would return to Ainsdale Beach.
He said: “Yes we will be back but next time we will take a four wheel drive - my dad has one. I am sure he will let me borrow it.”
Birkdale man Pete Searle was walking his dog on Ainsdale Beach on Saturday morning when he spotted the car surrounded by sea water.
Pete told the Visiter: “At first I was concerned that people might be trapped inside the car. I waded into the sea a bit and soon realised the car was empty.
“I managed to get a couple of pics on my iPhone. I think they got stuck in the sand on the beach and then the tide came in.”
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “We are aware of a vehicle finding itself in difficulty on Ainsdale Beach on Saturday, July 27.
“This vehicle was privately recovered at costly expense to its owner but the situation could have even been much worse.
“Luckily this time nobody was injured but there is a real risk of lives being put at stake when people ignore the dangers that high tides and soft sand can present.
“Vehicles also contain chemicals and oils which can cause pollution to our beautiful and protected coastline.
“Warnings are in place and we would ask all visitors to our beach car parks adhere to the rules in order to keep themselves and others safe.
“If in doubt please see www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches for more information and advice.”