Rescuers needed rescuing themselves after their ambulance got stuck on a beach with a patient inside.
Photos show waves lapping the rear wheels of the emergency vehicle, which was in danger of being swamped by the sea as the tide changed.
The incident happened at Camber Sands, East Sussex, on New Year’s Day.
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It is thought the South East Coast Ambulance Service vehicle had been responding to an emergency when it got trapped in the sand.
“Called to assist South Coast Ambulance Service to a stranded vehicle with the tide lapping at its wheels,” said a spokesperson from DJ Haulage and Recovery.
“Ambulance recovered safely to the car park using our fully equipped off road recovery vehicle.
Dean Miller from the firm also told Need To Know: “I’ve never seen an ambulance trapped on Camber Sands.
“But there have been plenty of other vehicles stuck there over the years.
“Its equipment had been removed when we arrived.
“But the staff were lucky – it was a near miss.”
Locals were bemused by the situation.
One person said: “I have to say I’m confused as to why they took it down there. At least they didn’t bury it trying to get out.”
Someone else added: “Who’s the drip that drove onto the sand?”
A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We can confirm that one of our ambulances became stuck on Camber Sands while responding to reports of a person in a serious condition in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
“After initial treatment, the patient was transported to hospital by another ambulance and a replacement vehicle provided to enable the first crew to continue their shift, while arrangements were made to recover the vehicle.
“We would like to thank all those involved for their assistance at the scene.”
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