During an attempt to rescue a stranded motorist on Laytown Beach, a Drogheda Fire Brigade rescue vehicle is also engulfed by the sea.
The Irish Coast Guard has warned the public to be wary of soft sand when driving on beaches. The call comes after a Drogheda Fire and Rescue Service emergency rescue tender was completely submerged in the sea at Laytown Beach in County Meath. The fire engine became bogged down while trying to pull out a stranded motorist whose car was also stuck in the sand.
Eyewitness Gerry Fitzgerald describes how a quick turning tide rapidly immersed the emergency vehicle.
Within the space of two hours it would cover the fire tender completely.
The next morning at low tide both vehicles were removed from the Laytown Beach.
Tony Taylor of the Drogheda Unit of the Irish Coast Guard warns motorists of the perils of driving on the beach,
Remember there is soft sand out there and they will become stranded and they need to park in the provided areas.
Meanwhile at Drogheda Fire Station, the damage to the €200,000 emergency tender vehicle is being assessed.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 August 2005. The reporter is Will Goodbody.
