Overview
- South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed a unit became trapped on the beach while responding to a report of a person in a serious condition in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
- Published photos show waves reaching the rear wheels as the tide changed, creating a near-miss scenario for the stranded vehicle.
- Local firm DJ Haulage and Recovery retrieved the ambulance to the car park using an off-road recovery vehicle, with a staff member describing the incident as a near miss.
- Recovery staff said the ambulance’s equipment had been removed before towing, and the service provided a replacement vehicle so the crew could continue their shift.
- Witnesses expressed bemusement at the decision to drive onto the sand, and reports did not indicate injuries to the crew or an announced formal investigation.