A driver was left scrambling after parking on a beach – only to panic as the incoming tide began swallowing their car.
The tense moment was caught on camera and has since racked up more than 7.5 million views on Instagram.
Michelle Cockayne, 52, filmed the incident while staying in Polzeath over the Easter break.
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She said she spotted the vehicle sitting alone on the beach as the tide started to come in.
Michelle, from Pershore, explained: “It was quite windy so we decided to stay in the property that evening but as it was our first night there, we kept staring at the sea.
“That’s when I noticed this last vehicle in the car park on the beach.
“It was clear that the sea was coming in and getting as far as the car.”
She said passers-by quickly gathered, watching as the situation worsened.
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“Other passers-by were also staring at the car and watching the sea lap at the wheels and the gradual sinking of the car into the sand,” she added.
At one point, the wheels appeared partially submerged as the vehicle sank deeper into the soft sand.
“We didn’t know where the owner was as there are bars and restaurants in the area,” Michelle said.
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“Then, we saw the owner running across the beach to the car.”
Despite fears the vehicle would be stranded, the driver managed to free it just in time.
“We could see that at least a quarter of the wheel depth had sunk into the sand but we were thrilled to see the owner manage to get out of the rut with ease,” she added.
She later joked: “Clearly I now need a Land Rover Discovery.”
The video, shared on Instagram via @cosy_corner_uk, quickly went viral – and sparked a wave of reactions online.
One viewer, named Max, wrote: “Then proceeds to cut off another car within 20 seconds of setting off, average Land Rover owner moment.”
Jonny added: “That car is gonna be rotten in a couple years.”
A third person said: “Serves him right. Keep your vehicles off beaches.”
While another commented: “People are SO out of touch with stuff that we should all understand: tides, seasons, weather… the list goes on.”
