Beachgoers in Southend sprang into action to save a man trapped in his car as it floated in the sea, showcasing incredible community spirit.
Southend: On a sunny Sunday afternoon, beachgoers noticed a red Ford Fiesta driving straight into the tide near Oliver’s on the Beach cafe. It was quite a sight!
People didn’t hesitate. They rushed into the water to help the driver, pulling him to safety just as coastguards and paramedics arrived to assist.
One of the heroes, Lee Rainforth, 52, spotted the car while driving along the seafront. He used to be a firefighter, so he knew he had to act fast.
Lee jumped out, stripped down, and waded into the chilly water. He smashed the driver’s side window with a rock to get the man out. Talk about brave!
When he reached the car, it was already floating, and the electric windows wouldn’t budge. Lee said, “I thought if he doesn’t get out, he’s going to go under.”
He managed to crack the window and quickly got the man’s seatbelt off. With a bit of humor, he asked, “What are you doing out here?” The driver just apologized.
With help from another bystander, Lee got the man to shore. The HM Coastguard Southend praised the public for their quick actions, saying it was a “very dynamic incident.”
They also reminded everyone that while it’s great to help, safety should always come first. Afterward, the coastguard and police worked together to pull the car from the water without leaving any pollutants behind.
