Van goes over edge of wall and into estuary in Cornwall
Luckily the driver escaped unhurt
Last updated 21st Dec 2020
A van has gone over the edge of a wall and into an estuary in Cornwall.
It happened at the quay in Flushing, near Falmouth, on Sunday afternoon and luckily the driver escaped unhurt.
The vehicle was leaking fluids and the area was cordoned off.
Firefighters, coastguard crews and the environment agency were all called to the scene.
A boom was placed around the van to stop oil and fuel from spreading and the vehicle was then recovered.
"One fire appliance from Falmouth Community Fire Station responded to a request from the Coastguard to assist them with a van that had gone over the edge of a wall and onto the shore. Fortunately, the driver escaped without injury. The van was leaking fluids.
"Firefighters cordoned off the area and assisted other agencies, including the Coastguard, Harbourmaster and Environment Agency.
"As the tide came in, a boom was placed around the van by the Harbourmaster, to stop oil and fuel spreading. The incident was left for a salvage company barge to recover the vehicle."
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
"Team tasked to a report of a van having driven off the quay, Flushing, near Falmouth.
"Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Devon & Cornwall Police were also tasked.
"On scene it was discovered that the van had rolled off the quay onto the beach below and landed on its roof. The driver was clear of the vehicle and was uninjured.
"Coastguard Officers in Water Rescue gear were deployed to provide safety cover for the salvage contractors working in the water and provided scene lighting from the shore along with working with Fire crews ensuring public safety along the quay side.
"Pollution levels were monitored and there was a very small spill of fluids from the vehicle, the harbour master deployed a boom to contain any potential larger spill and the Environment Agency were notified as to any potential impact.
"Eventually when the tide allowed. Specialist salvage contractors were able to use a crane to load the vehicle onto their vessel and remove it from scene."
Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team