In a dramatic display of community spirit, two quick-thinking friends from Birmingham rescued a Land Rover that was completely submerged in dangerous flood waters during Storm Claudia.
The Rescue Operation
Daniel Smith, 37, and his friend Daniel Mulqueen, 27, first spotted the abandoned vehicle on Saturday night, November 15. The Land Rover was trapped in overflowing river water on Green Road in the Hall Green area, near the historic Sarehole Mill.
With the driver's location unknown, the pair made the decision to return the following morning to attempt a recovery. The two Daniels, who have been friends for ten years, arrived in their own capable 4x4 vehicles, which they expertly used to drag the stranded Land Rover to safety.
Regular Patrols in Dangerous Conditions
This act of kindness wasn't a one-off occurrence. The Good Samaritans regularly patrol this particular road during heavy rainfall, knowing all too well how perilous it can become for motorists.
Mr Smith, a local car mechanic, explained their motivation: "We see it all the time. We always nip down there to help people when it's raining." He emphasised the severity of the location, stating, "I must've seen 30 or 40 cars stuck under the bridge there."
A Stark Warning to Drivers
Mr Smith highlighted the deceptive and powerful nature of the river's current, which can turn a routine drive into a life-threatening situation in moments. "It can get really dangerous in ten seconds," he warned. "Once the current has you, it's going one way, towards that bridge. And if the car gets taken with the current, it will drag it under the bridge and then all of a sudden you're under water."
The owner of the rescued Land Rover was not present during the recovery, but had thoughtfully left a note with a contact number in the window. Offering crucial advice to other drivers, Mr Smith urged caution: "If you have doubts, then obviously, don't go into the water. That's the main thing. People will probably always try it but, I'd say, if it looks bad, don't do it. It's not worth it."
