Morning beach goers at Lighthouse Beach were shocked to find a car washed up on the coastline on Sunday morning.
Police were called to the scene at 5.50am after reports of the stolen vehicle being sighted in the surf.
The scene attracted much attention with crowds soon gathering to watch NRMA servicemen recover the vehicle.
Donna and Leith Pearman were two of many who were on site watching.
The couple, holidaying in Port Macquarie from Sydney, had taken an early morning swim and were heading up the beach about 9.30am to have breakfast at the Surfside Café when they got caught up in the commotion.
“With its cracked and shattered windows, crushed roof and salt filled engine, it’s not likely that this car will be rolling down the highway any time soon,” Donna said.
“NRMA staff laboured for at least an hour to try and wrestle the car from the sticky grip of the sea and sand.
“After repeated attempts with snatch straps and after initially turning the red Advance sedan onto its roof, the NRMA team finally succeeded in dragging the sand-filled and dripping car up and over the sand dunes and onto their tow truck.”
Port Macquarie Police Chief Inspector Shane Cribb said the red Mitsubishi Magna was recovered by an NRMA tow truck by mid-morning.
However, he said police were baffled as to how the stolen vehicle ended up in the surf.
He said police were calling on witnesses to come forward with information about the car and the circumstances leading up to the seaside dumping.
He said residents who may be able to assist should call the police on 6583 0199.
Story: Kate Yates
