FIRE crews have issued a warning after rescuing two people from a car which became trapped during a spring tide.

Crews from Colchester, Tollesbury and West Mersea - along with an urban search and rescue team - were called to the Strood, in West Mersea, at 2.55am this morning.

The car was caught during high tide where the water had risen to 5.72 metres.

Trained water rescue crews worked to release the man and woman trapped inside the car.

Crews had to wear waterproof overalls, life jackets and use a sled to carry out the rescue.

After the couple were saved, they were left in the care of the East of England Ambulance Service as a precaution.

Gazette:

Splash - when the Strood has flooded before

A spokesman for the ambulance service said an ambulance and team from the hazardous area response team were called out the incident just before 3.15am.

He added: “Two people were assessed at the scene and did not require transportation to hospital.”

Graeme Richardson, RNLI area lifesaving manager, said: “The RNLI is the Charity that saves lives at sea, and will always launch to people in distress.

“We would encourage drivers visiting Mersea Island to be aware of the tide times, and if in any doubt, especially if the road is covered with water, then do not cross.”

Whenever the tide is 5 metres and above, it will more than likely cover the Strood.

West Mersea Fire Station watch manager Dave Farrant is urging the public to not take risks when the tide is rising.

He added: “This incident shows how easy it can be to get into trouble in and around water. Never drive into floodwater or a rising tide, it’s just not worth taking the chance.

“It’s Water Awareness week this week and it’s so important we keep spreading the message that people need to give water the respect it deserves.”

 

 

As part of the week-long campaign Essex Fire and Rescue Service staff have been visiting places they have identified as being at high risk of water incidents.

An urban search and rescue team visited Mersea just days before the rescue to share safety advice with the public to help them be water aware.