A DRIVER had to be rescued after getting his car stuck in the mud - and then could only watch as the tide came in and swamped it.

Stephen Hooper had driven his car along the beach at Weston Shore in Southampton when it got stuck at 4.30pm.

The 34-year-old from Eastleigh had been looking for a spot to fish when his 20-year-old Mitsubishi Pajero fell in a hole on the shingle beach.

As the tide came in, he was taken to safety by Hill Head Coastguard and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service but the car was left in the water.

The self employed plasterer said around £1,500 worth of damage was done to the vehicle.

People came from as far away from Portsmouth to help - once the tide went out at 10.30pm – six hours later, despite advice from the Coastguard.

Stephen said:  “I’m angry and upset that it happened.

“I phoned up a guy that I know who said he would come and help and then loads of other people said they were on their way.

“It’s brilliant that everyone came to help.”

Daily Echo:

Around five vehicles arrived at the shore to try to drag the car to safety but Solent Coastguard said only professional recovery teams should rescue a car from the water.

A spokesman said: “We would be concerned for the safety of any persons in or entering the water and we would urge anyone who sees a vehicle going into the water to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Daily Echo:

“We would urge anyone thinking of attempting to recover their vehicle from the water to seek professional recovery and not attempt to enter the water.”

Hillhead Coastguard also helped in the recovery operation.