Truck ends up in waves, driver safe

Last Updated on Friday, May 04, 2012 12:58 pm Written by Bill Barlow Friday, May 04, 2012 12:52 pm

Crews have managed to free a dumptruck from the waves in North Wildwood.

Several sources have indicated the brakes failed on the sand-laden truck, that was shipping sand from Wildwood Crest to a beach replenishment project in North Wildwood. The accident happened near 3^rd Street.

The truck was free about 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 4.

North Wildwood Lifeguard Chief Tony Cavalier said he and two crew members were  listening to the police scanner while getting their equipment ready for the season when they heard about the accident. They headed to the beach, and two guards, Tim Fynes and Dave Lindsay, entered the water to take the driver to safety. Cavalier said the driver did not want to leave the truck, and with the waves, the water was overhead. They brought him safely to shore on a paddleboard.

According to sources on the beach, there were several prior attempts to free the heavy truck, which was mired in soft sand. Both a chain and a rope used to try to pull it free broke.