Mercedes car trapped on Southend beach as tide comes in

A Mercedes with registration MA19 EYE was left stranded on Southend beach overnight, with the tide slowly claiming the vehicle before recovery teams could intervene.

The Coastguard was called to the scene after the car became stuck near the Ness Road Slipway, leaving its owners—who were not from the area—unaware of the fast-approaching tide. Fortunately, they were safe, but their vehicle was left at the mercy of the sea.

The incident has sparked discussion among locals, who have seen this scenario play out time and time again. Southend’s shifting tides and deceptive beach terrain have caught out countless drivers over the years, often leaving cars submerged before rescue attempts can be made.

Not the first time – and probably not the last

Southend beach has gained an unfortunate reputation for washing away cars, as visitors unfamiliar with the area continue to misjudge the risks.

• In August 2023, a BMW X5 was left half-submerged after its driver attempted to take a shortcut onto the beach, only to realise too late that the firm-looking sand was actually soft mud.
• In June 2022, a Range Rover was dragged out to sea after getting stuck near Shoebury, with witnesses describing the car “bobbing in the waves” before it was fully submerged.
• Back in 2019, an entire family’s SUV had to be pulled from the mud after a failed attempt at driving along the shoreline.

Despite repeated warnings and clear signage, drivers continue to find themselves stuck in Southend’s unforgiving sands.

Some local residents are now calling for more awareness, with some suggesting additional barriers or clearer restrictions at slipways to prevent future incidents.