Van plunged into the sea off a slipway in Cornwall

St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team were called to Bodinnick Ferry Slip in Fowey on Monday afternoon (June 24) at around 12.13pm.

Initially the team was told that a person had entered the water but then they were told en-route that a vehicle had entered the water and was fully submerged.

A picture taken by the rescue team shows a white van on the back of a lorry with damage sustained at the front (Image: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team)

However the person in the vehicle managed to get themselves out of the vehicle and were taken to the lifeboat pontoon by Fowey Harbour Patrol.

From there they were treated by the South West Ambulance Service.

Pictures taken at the scene show a large white van being pulled from the water with extensive damage to the front.

In updated posts on Facebook the team documented the rescue and thanked everyone who had helped during the incident.

“Team tasked to person in water at Bodinnick slip,” said the post. “Update en-route, vehicle has entered water and is fully submerged.

“Further update, occupant has self-rescued and is being transported to the Lifeboat pontoon by Fowey Harbour Patrol.

South West Ambulance Service at the scene (Image: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team)

“The team RV’d at the Lifeboat Station and began casualty care until arrival of South West Ambulance Service.

“We would like to thank all parties who assisted in this incident and we wish the occupant a full and speedy recovery.

“Remember, in an emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”