A rescue mission was launched after two vehicles got swallowed up by the tide in Margate.

The van and the 4x4 were on the sand, close to the Turner Contemporary, when the sea started approaching fast.

WATCH: The vehicles are completely engulfed by the sea

The Coastguard and police were both called to help recover the vehicles from the beach but in the end nothing could be done.

They remain there today and it is understood a second recovery attempt will take place.

The mishap happened at around 4.25pm and drew a large crowd along the seafront.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard received a 999 call at 4.24pm yesterday about two vehicles which had become stuck in sand and submerged at Margate Sands.

"Margate coastguard rescue team provided safety cover for Kent Police and a recovery service.

"Because of the incoming tide, the recovery was not successful. Another attempt will be made when conditions allow."

The RNLI was also present during the rescue attempt.

A police spokesman added: "Kent Police was called at 5.25pm on Friday, May 15 to a report that two cars parked in the Harbour Arm area of Margate had been caught by the tide.

"No injuries were reported and officers attended to provide assistance to a vehicle recovery team."

This is not the first time vehicles have become trapped on Kent's beaches.

A Fiat 500 become wedged at Sunny Sands in Folkestone after the driver took a wrong turn down a ramp towards the sea.

On Romney Marsh, two brothers who wanted to get a selfie with their car on Dymchurch beach were left feeling red-faced when their BMW had to be towed after getting stuck in the sand.

And the team behind a fashion shoot on Dungeness ran into trouble when their van became wedged in the shingle for four hours.

For more quirky and unusual stories, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet