Dramatic moment driver tries desperately to salvage half-sunk vehicle from the sea

A dramatic video shows a motorist desperately trying to rescue his car from the sea after waves swept it away.

The unusual scene, which took place on Whitstable beach in Kent, was captured on camera after the driver parked too close to the water's edge to unload a jet ski.

Local Lee Dolby, 40, filmed the man as he tried to retrieve sunken Volkswagen on Thursday.

As the clip begins, it shows the car sitting half-submerged in water.

A man on a jet ski then rides around the wreckage as it bobs about on the waves.

The footage then shows another person in a life jacket attempting to get hold of the vehicle, as Lee says: "That geezer's just lost his car."

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The car had been parked by the water's edge (Deadline News)

A third man then joins them in the water carrying a tow rope, and attaches it as a crowd of onlookers watch nearby.

It also shows Lee's two sons Harry, 13, and Charlie, 9, watching apprehensively as the car continues to sink.

Shortly afterwards, another video shows the soaking car being hauled ashore after a four by four came to the rescue.

Speaking today, Lee explained how he and his boys helped with the operation.

He said: "I got in to help recover the jet ski trailer and my eldest boy Harry got in to recover items that floated from the car such as clothes and plastic bags, fuel cans.

The clip has now been shared 3,000 times on social media (Deadline News)

"It was quiet on the beach until this happened, which caused a gathering of onlookers.

"Then a four by four pulled up and helped tow it out of the water, but obviously it wasn't able to start.

"It was moved to a safe place waiting for recovery."

The vehicle was eventually towed away by a four by four (Deadline News)

Describing the unbelievable moment on social media, where the clip has now been shared 3,000 times, Lee added: "Just popped down the beach for an hour with the boys and see this fella trying to unload his jetski and parked a little too close.

"Couple of waves came and claimed his car!"

Commenting on the footage, Ross Gibson wrote: "How is that even possible.

"He must have reversed it that far in the back wheels where in the water ffs hahah."

William Kelly added: "Its like a James bond movie in reverse if you pardon the pun, lol."

MacKenzie Taylor said: "Ahaha how funny is that though."

And Dec Carswell wrote: "What a f ** donut."