Bogged 4WD afloat at sea

The 4wd that got bogged on Moore Park Beach.

Scottie Simmonds

FOUR-WHEEL drivers, take note — Mitsubishi Pajeros have excellent door seals.

An unfortunate owner of a seemingly brand new four-wheel drive discovered this to his detriment, as his vehicle bobbed around in the sea at Moore Park Beach yesterday morning.

It is believed the vehicle became stuck in sand late on Thursday night when the driver decided to check out the wrong part of the beach — about 2km north of the Moore Park Surf Life Savers Club.

Witnesses said the bogged car was so tightly sealed that it acted like a cork when the tide came in.

Bundaberg Police Sergeant John Campbell said police were alerted to the problem about 6.30am.

“We had a telephone call saying there was a four-wheel drive floating in the ocean at Moore Park,” he said.

A mystery good samaritan with a tractor managed to haul the vehicle to safety about 8.40am, and it was left on the side of the road to dry out.

Moore Park Beach resident Barry Brown said he heard about the drama, and went down to the waterfront to check it out.

“I’ve got a tractor and a backhoe, so I’ve pulled out quite a few in my time as well,” Mr Brown said.

“It comes down to inexperience a lot of the time — people don’t realise the consequences of what happens when you get stuck and the tide comes in.”

But the hapless off-roader who owns the Pajero has learned the tough way.

“It won’t be good for much now, nothing wrecks an engine faster than salt water,” Mr Brown said.