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A volunteer's car was left stuck in the mud on a beach while the owner helped in the search for tragic Lucas Dobson.
The Honda jeep was stranded in Pegwell Bay when a kind-hearted helper joined the search for the missing six-year-old.
The incoming tide engulfed the car with water rising to just below the roofline.
WATCH: Car of volunteer searching for Lucas Dobson gets stuck in mud
Dave Larkins, who was helping with Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR), came across the car yesterday while he was out scouring the bay on a hovercraft for young Lucas.
The youngster's body was found by police in the River Stour this morning by police after he fell into the river in Sandwich during a family fishing trip on Saturday.
The car was removed by the owner once the tide went out but the incident has now prompted warnings despite their good intentions.
"The community response has been fantastic but I've been trying to educate people about the dangers of the area," Mr Larkins said.
"The 4x4 owner was trying to do his bit and was trapped in the mud. You're not really supposed to be driving but he did and got stuck.
"People may have been a bit naive going out and doing a good thing but also putting themselves in danger."
Mr Larkins says the strong tidal currents, gullies and sinking sand makes Pegwell Bay a "treacherous" area to explore by foot and car.
He has now suggested creating a hovercraft-based branch of KSAR to help conduct searches in wide river estuaries such as the Stour at Pegwell Bay or the River Medway.
Mr Larkins says this would be cheaper than being forced to launch a helicopter in harder to reach and dangerous areas.
"If there's a need to have a hovercraft service in the area then I'm happy to provide it if it's something KSAR want to build in," Mr Larkins added. "I think it would be a good option to consider."
He said he was thinking of Lucas' family and pleased they would be able to get closure after his body was discovered.
