Driver rescued from excavator stuck in sand on Bournemouth beach

The digger is being used to replace groynes on the beach

An excavator got stuck in the sea at Bournemouth beach
Author: Jason BeckPublished 30th Nov 2023
Last updated 30th Nov 2023

The driver of an excavator has been rescued after it got stuck in the sea at Bournemouth beach.

The machinery was being used to replace groynes when it sank into the soft sand on a rising tide on Wednesday morning.

The operator climbed into the bucket of another excavator to be lifted to safety.

BCP Councillor Andy Hedley posted on X: "Oops, Groyne replacement on Bournemouth Beach. Digger in the sea. Driver is OK, and he isolated the bio-degradable fuel supply. Beware the soft sand."

A spokesperson from contractor Mackley said: "Our recovery plan was implemented and the excavator was successfully retrieved at low tide using a specialist recovery team.

"The excavator was isolated, the driver safely recovered with no injuries, and there was no fuel, lubricants or hydraulic oils spilt into the sea or onto the beach.

"Our operatives and site management teams are well trained to respond, and I would like to thank all those involved for their combined efforts to retrieve the excavator.

"It will be business as usual on Thursday, when we’ll resume work on the timber groyne renewal programme here at East Cliff beach, Bournemouth."

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