THERE was a dramatic rescue of an elderly couple from a vehicle trapped in floodwater at Bridge Reeve, between Chulmleigh and Ashreigney on Sunday, January 5.

Fast flowing water at Bridge Reeve
Fast flowing water at Bridge Reeve (South Molton Fire Station)

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a telephone call from the distressed elderly occupants of the car at 10.49am.

Fire appliances from Witheridge, South Molton, the Tactical Rescue Team from Barnstaple, a Water Incident Manager and an Operational Assurance Officer were all sent to the location.

The elderly occupants were trapped within their car in fast flowing and fast rising water.

The Control Operator stayed on the call with the couple giving advice and reassurance for some time until the arrival of the crews.

During this time, the water had risen substantially and the couple were sat in their vehicle, almost up to their chests in icy cold water.

The Fire Service said it was not safe for them to leave the vehicle due to the fast flow of the water outside of it.

A spokesperson for the Fire Service said: "Once in attendance, crews donned their dry suits to make an attempt at a rescue.

"Due to the flowing water, crews were unable to reach the vehicle safely and had to await the arrival of the team from Barnstaple with their boat.

"The boat was launched and both elderly occupants were rescued from their vehicle and taken to dry land where they were checked over by Ambulance crews.

"The occupants were uninjured but were suffering with effects of the cold.

"The elderly couple remained calm throughout the incident, considering the frightening conditions they were in."

The incident was stood down at 4.54pm.

The fire service advise the public never to drive or walk through flooded areas.

It says: "Even shallow moving water can sweep you off your feet, there may be hidden dangers like open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris, or deep channels.

"Never drive through floodwater, vehicles can become stuck and even swept away in just 30cm of flowing water.

"Don't make unnecessary trips in bad weather conditions, you could harm yourself and others too."