Car launching a boat goes into West Bay harbour

It happened around 2.45pm today and led to an operation to rescue the vehicle.

It is understood the driver of the car was launching a boat when the vehicle lost traction on the slipway and ended up going into the water.

The driver wasn't in it when it went into the water and nobody has been reported as injured.

Ben Harvey, assistant harbourmaster, said: "It just slipped down the slipway and was in about four feet of water.

"The driver had the brakes on but it just kept going. At low tide it is slippy and with a two-wheel drive... it is just bad luck."

Harbour staff were able to attach a strop to the car and pull it back up the slipway using a tractor.

Mr Harvey added: "I wouldn't say it's common, but it happens every couple of years.

"We got a strop on the back of it to get it up, We have the equipment and are prepared for it."

Local resident Rachel Jenner was out having an ice cream when she saw the car.

She said: "Just caught the last bit of it and photos tell the rest of the story.

"I would imagine with the amount of water that came out of the car it would be a write-off.

"It certainly drew a large crowd of onlookers. I live in the area and went down for ice cream."

A spokesperson from Dorset Council said: "There was a car that tried launching (a vessel) at low tide, the tyres slipped on the wet slipway and lost traction. The owner wasn’t in the car when it happened and no one has been injured. The car and boat were recovered by harbour staff to the top of the slipway."