MAN RESCUED FROM FLOODED CAR ON LANCASHIRE CAUSEWAY

A man has been rescued from his car after being swamped by the rising tide on the causeway between Overton and Sunderland Point.

Liverpool Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public just after midday. They reported that a car was totally surrounded by the incoming tide and someone was trapped inside.

The Morecambe and Knott End Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Morecambe RNLI inshore lifeboat, the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley along with fire and ambulance crews were sent to the scene.

When the lifeboat crew arrived at the car, they found it was almost completely full of water. They had to smash the window to free the man inside. He was then taken to shore, and passed into the care of the ambulance crew.

Graham Parr, Watch Manager at Liverpool Coastguard, said:

“The lifeboat crew arrived on scene just in time to grab this man from his car and take him to safety.

“We are on spring tides at the moment, so the water floods in at an incredibly fast pace. We always recommend that people check tide times before setting out, for any activity on the coast, particularly if you plan to drive over a causeway. During highwater, it’s likely the road will be covered with water and with it strong undercurrents. It’s just not worth the risk.

“If you see someone in difficulty, or if you get into problems yourself, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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