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# Three submerged vehicles recovered from River Tavy
- URL: https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/three-submerged-vehicles-recovered-from-river-tavy/
- Published: 2025-04-13T11:05:02.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-16T07:56:47.000Z
- Author: Seamus McCoy
- Tags: News, First reported by Plymouth+, #editors-picks

A huge rescue operation unfolded under the cover of darkness near Lopwell Dam last night (12 April).

The rescue was entirely led by members of the public with a significant number of vehicles and spectators gathering at the scene as word spread.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250412_224023929.jpg)

The turnout at the rescue site. ****© Plymouth Plus**

The three vehicles became stranded in the middle of the estuary near Maristow Quay and were completely submerged at high tide. 

0:00 

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The vehicles submerged in the River Tavy. ****© Lee Crocker** / ****Plymouth Plus**

HM Coastguard rescue teams Plymouth and Tamar rushed to the incident to provide safety advice and ensure the welfare of those on scene.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_000909189.jpg)

HM Coastguard at the scene. ****© Plymouth Plus**

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told Plymouth Plus:

> "HM Coastguard have been responding to an incident involving multiple vehicles stuck in mud at the River Tavy, Maristow Quay in Plymouth. 

> "Alerted shortly before 11.30pm on Saturday 12 April, coastguard rescue teams from Plymouth and Tamar were tasked to provide safety advice and ensure the welfare of those on scene. 

> "All vehicles were safely recovered."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250412_224300093.jpg)

The rescue operation under the cover of darkness. ****© Plymouth Plus**

The River Tavy and Tamar estuary has statutory protection as a site of special scientific interest. 

A local has told Plymouth Plus that the Environment Agency are now investigating potential water pollution caused by oil and fuel leaking from the vehicles. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250412_174618796--1-.jpg)

Potential pollution on the shoreline yesterday. ****© Plymouth Plus**

There is also a police sign at the river access point saying that it is unsuitable for motor vehicles.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250412_173710750--1-.jpg)

The police sign at the river access point. ****© Plymouth Plus**

Plymouth Plus has contacted the Environment Agency and Devon and Cornwall Police for comment.

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