Cornwall ice cream van dragged out to sea sparks wave of reaction

The story of the ice cream van that took a dip in the sea at Harlyn Beach has certainly churned up waves of reaction. As the van was swept out by the tide, beachgoers sprang into action, courageously attempting to rescue it. Some readers have seized the opportunity to share their fishy puns in our comments section here and over on our Facebook page.

A group of local beachgoers dashed into the sea, battling the waves in an effort to save the van from a salty demise. Spectators watched as these intrepid rescuers waded through waist-deep waters, determined to keep the ice cream van from becoming an unexpected part of the marine ecosystem.

It was eventually returned to dry land and it is not believed that anyone was injured during the attempted rescue. See dramatic pictures from the incident here.

Commenter Pete Jones writes: “Good to see that CornwallLive were there for the inside scoop on the story."

Tim Drake says: “Me and my mate got the last two ice creams before he stranded the van! Poor guy, someone threw a ball, so a dog ran in front of the van and he had to emergency stop just as he was turning around on the edge of a tidal stream, then literally got stuck!" Catherine Gibb was there too: “He got stuck fast in the sand. A 4x4 and lots of helpers got him out of the sand but then there was a rock wedged and then it was too late the tide was getting deep and they had to abandon it.”

Shane Mullan writes: “Feel sorry for whoever owns it. A lot of money is gone for someone.”

However not all our commenters were so sympathetic. Commenter Chuffchough writes: “Not often the fish get treated to a Mr Whippy. Seagulls would be so jealous.”

unwokeantisocialist asks: “Is it too late to get a 99 with a hake?” Mark Caudle said he's seen it “happen hundreds and thousands of times.” Fiona Edrich jokes: “I bet the driver received an icy reception from the boss.” Stewart Bennetts wrote: “that's one way to get salted caramel! Did the police cone it off?” Aaron Lindsey said: “Should have coned off the whole beach oh god haha.”

Sue Harbord joked: “Last seen making a special delivery to Davey Jones in his Locker.” Jason P Cooper ordered: “an ice cream float.” Nigel Kitto pointed out: “Gonna cost a lot of lolly to fix.” Jen Young asked for an: “Ice cream float please!” Stephen White was horrified it was “on a sundae too!”

Valerie Mardell asked: “How did it happen and where was the driver?” Vicky Brian Sheldrick quipped: “Don’t you mean where’s the DIVER?” Paul Netherton joked: “He was only asked to dip his headlights!” Thomas Joseph Galea thinks it could catch on: “Amphibious ice cream van just what Cornwall needs smart thinking from the ice cream van driver.”

Danny Johns said: “Whipped out to see, gonna cost more than 99p to retrieve that might even flake apart!” Demelza Slaney agreed: “Sure they whipped it out in no time!”

Craig Spot Maldoon Hardie said: “was it caught in a whip tide?” Jonno Dex predicted: “Next stop Coney Island!” Maureen Jennifer Ryan asked: “will it have a seal of approval?!”

Tim Norman wondered: “Did they get permission to turn it into a fish 'n chip van?” Lily Cressa asked: “Or is it a new swim up ice cream sunset bar?” Ballard Bo replied; “yep, Feast your eyes on that!”

Andrea Garfoot said: “The poor thing has just simply given up on summer ever arriving!”

Can you add to the list of puns?! Have your say in our comments section.