Burgh Island Sea Tractor near miss

[@BigDog366]

Thank you so much for posting this. I am currently writing a novel with a sea tractor featured in it and this proves that my plot point is valid. My childhood consisted of trips to Bigbury from Plymouth for an evening's swim. No other cars there then, no carpark. Happy days.

[@sme4969]

u live plymouth, want some kayak footage ? be cool to have my boat in print

[@GregoryBorne]

Dean- as an ex sea tractor driver and having lived and surfed in that area my whole life i can categorically state that nobody knows how the sands will be churned up. on the causeway - where the big pot holes are or how the next big wave will impact the tractor. It is what it looks like - Extremely dangerous - i hope who ever is responsible doesn’t put lives in jeopardy like that again

[@sw382]

What happened to Sea Tractor 2 ?

[@hughbence7339]

Incredible - No way this should have been crossing in that weather - and I used to drive that sea tractor in the 1970's . It is surviving well.

[@alroulexe4996]

I might have been a passenger of yours, we used to go on holiday there due to my dad's connections (OMT rugby etc.) - absolutely fascinating, enchanting place! We loved the sea tractor.

[@DaveSuperThomas]

I can remember travelling at high tide from England to Burgh Island on the old Sea Tractor - the one with caterpillar tracks as opposed to pneumatic tyres - in weather far worse than that!

[@alroulexe4996]

Hope you'd had a few drinks but not too many to induce sea-sickness! Great memories.

[@tommysoulz]

I been on this one

[@p.g.j6323]

Amazing

[@vickybrooks2177]

the sea tractor is amazing; I've gone across to the island on it lots of times, but though I am very impressed with the skill of the driver, I wouldn't have travelled on it on that occasion. The hotel does call you if the weather is too bad for the tractor to run, as happened to me recently when I was due to go to the pilchard for curry night. Buy that tractor driver a drink - they earned it! and thank you to the poster of this vid for sharing

[@KempSimon]

When I was staying with my grandparents at Challaborough Caravan Park in 1967 we went over to Burgh Island on the old Sea Tractor - the one with caterpillar tracks, no roof and an old engine which cut out whenever it got wet - in worse weather conditions than this. I thought it was good fun but I can recall my dear grandmother being violently seasick.

[@mrcharlieheavengame5132]

I stayed there in around 2014 and was sick.

[@Belinda-tc8qv]

Used to live in Plymouth when i was a child and have fond memories of the sea tractor ❤ I think perhaps this ride was a bit late and must have stayed too long at the pub 😂😂😂 Brilliant recovery ❤❤❤

[@Linda220677]

Poirot definitely wouldn't have travelled by sea tractor in this weather 😮 😩 😂

[@fatimasanchez418]

No habría viajado ni amarrado ,ni él ni yo ni muchos de los que están leyendo los comentarios 😅

[@mrkongsimr]

HI how is this hotel today ? Really I'd love to stay there . I also saw Poirot , Evil under the sun .

[@banjofett3949]

Never knew sea tractors were a thing. But I’ve got to say thats pretty awesome

[@KempSimon]

The old Sea Tractor had caterpillar tracks. When I was seven I can remember going across to Burgh Island on it in worse weather than was shown in that video clip.

[@banjofett3949]

@@KempSimon that must have been really neat to visit. I only know of Burgh Island from Ben Howard’s EP album of that same name. Beautiful song/ album. Its interesting to see what inspired that

[@satsuma55]

I USED TO WORK IN THE SEAGULLS HOTEL IN BIGBURY ON SEA IN 1968.,I HAVE BEEN OVER TO BURGH ISLAND,BUT NEVER WOULD I RISK GOING OVER WHEN THE TIDE WAS IN..BIGBURY ON SEA,BEAUTIFUL PLACE,ALSO REMEMBER THE WAIKIKI BAR.NOT SURE IF SEAGULLS HOTEL OR THE BAR STILL EXISTS. .GREAT MEMORIES

[@KempSimon]

Did you ever go Ten~Pin Bowling in the Tom Crocker Amusement Arcade?

[@satsuma55]

Hi Simon,no I never went ten pin bowling.i USED TO VISIT CAFE AT THE TOP OF HILL NR CHALLABOROUGH CARAVAN SITE,AND TREATED OURSELVES TO HOMEMADE CAKES.YUMMIE,AFTER OUR HOTEL DUTIES WE WOULD VISIT THE WAIKIKI BAR FOR GLASS OF CIDER,HAPPY DAYS.

[@KempSimon]

satsuma55 I used to think that the Tom Crocker Amusement Arcade was the height of sophistication! Until I got my fingernails crushed in the Ten~Pin Bowling Alley! Still got my score card for the Crazy Golf Course at Challaborough dated August 1967! Happy days indeed.

[@philipwood7788]

Not to forget the Tom Crocker!

[@deangarland6207]

i have worked for these people for ni-on 7 years.and although in this instance it seems extreme to be runiing the tractor, they do know what they are doing.. i have been a carpenter on the island since 2003, and although we had to work around the tides saftey is always key. Mr & Mrs Orchard know how the beach is reacting to certiaan swells and always use specialist drivers.

[@Destro7000]

Amazing! I've just been to Bigbury and saw one of those, but it was near low-tide.

[@adysayswakeupffs]

After all the warnings about high winds, spring tides and high swells, they're still dumb enough to run the sea tractor. :-/ Good capture! +1 for the capture.

[@pete37038]

Awesome, got shown this in Cornwall at the weekend, I gotta do this tractor ASAP!

[@colincampbell7928]

Who's driving? Richard Smith, Richard Giles, Danny Jordan? One of those guys methinks. All staff at least by the look. I've seen the head chef walk through that sea in a wet suit cos it was too rough for the tractor. He vanished from view once or twice.😂

[@70sboy98]

Must have been an emergency or utter lunacy to try and cross over in that weather.I bet they must have s....d their pants. Take note at 1.08 and at 1.20, it nearly went over.

[@DaveSuperThomas]

All part of the fun!

[@norbertgoulash5482]

they are so lucky its untrue wow been on the tractor loads of times, never in weather anywhere like that 😮

[@PositiveCyclist]

Utterly insane. If the tractor had gone over then there were 3 potential fatalities. Why not wait for the tide??

[@70sboy98]

Can’t believe I made a comment on this 8 years ago, wow, doesn’t time fly.

[@sebofo]

The first version of the sea tractor had tracks in the rear end and skinny rubber tyred wheels in the front. I rode that in the 1960's.

[@Robodick4]

The first Sea Tracttor was built and put to use in 1930!

[@colinmaddocks9352]

I can safely say I wouldn't have been going on that if the waves were like that.

[@PureWaterCleaningDevon]

That is better than any theme park ride

[@DaveSuperThomas]

Cheaper as well!

[@mikewood866]

Geez what a plank of a driver setting off in that weather.The sea tractor isn't the most stable of things at the best of times, its very top heavy.

[@cliffhorman6846]

I so want to visit Burgh Island and ride the sea tractor, but this is insane! It should never run in such dangerous conditions.

[@MrOldways]

That is `just up the road` from me here & I have used that Sea Tractor on more than one occasion..... but for sure, my great respect for the power of our unforgiving Sea would of not allowed me to put my life at risk there. The driver needs reprimanding at the very least.

[@KempSimon]

In the late 1960's I went over on the old Sea Tractor - the one with caterpillar tracks - in worse conditions than that! But only after my grandmother had dragged the driver out of the bar of "Ye Olde Pilchard Inn" where he'd been having one (or two, or three) for the road!

[@mountfields]

can remember riding on the one which had caterpillar tracks... 1960s ???. anybody else remember that one ???

[@DaveSuperThomas]

Yes. It always got across, regardless of the weather and sea conditions. There was no stopping it!

[@philipwood7788]

Yes, I do! We lived nearby and once it went for a service and DROVE through the village. Made a helluva noise. A neighbour called Jimbo Brenton was one of the earlier drivers.

[@sw382]

@@philipwood7788 Yes I remember Jimbo, I seem to remember that Sea Tractor 3 had a board on the front with his name on it. What happened to Sea Tractor 2 ? I know it was replaced in 1969 , with the the present Tractor. I have been told it was saved & put into a museum. Any truth in this ? Would like to see a picture of both Sea Tractor 2 & 3 side by side. The delivery of Sea Tractor was covered by Blue Peter. Which I gather was driven from Newton Abbot to Burgh Island, what a sight that must have been on those narrow lanes, must be some pictures somewhere ? Just found pic of sea tractor 3 with Jimbo's RIP on the front www.flickr.com/photos/149822823@N04/50533714708/in/dateposted-public/ & a picture of Sea Tractor 2 ( the one on caterpillar tracks ) www.flickr.com/photos/50100442@N05/16303202444/in/faves-149822823@N04/

[@butterflygirl1979]

Lifejackets??? That was terrifying to watch, was that journey really necessary?. Who was on board, thought I saw a little one but could be wrong. Glad it arrived safely though.

[@KempSimon]

With a bit of luck they made it to the bar of Ye Olde Pilchard Inn just before "Last Orders" was called!

[@WBatte1]

What if it has a flat tire in the middle of the channel?

[@KempSimon]

There's nothing in the soft Devon sand that would be capable of puncturing one of those tyres, but if one did burst I believe that they do carry a spare and a rather large jack!

[@70sboy98]

+L.E. Batte You are screwed I suppose and hope for a life jacket at hand.

[@seyley2901]

... if passengers are not able to cross, will the Hotel put them up at a cheap rate?

[@queenbeekeeper]

Lordy! Thank goodness no one got washed overboard. That high swell would have drenched the poor passengers and their luggage would have been soaked! Not the most glamorous of arrivals.

[@KempSimon]

- The things people will do to get to the bar of "Ye Olde Pilchard Inn" on Burgh Island before they call "Last Orders!".

[@rangelso]

Seriously ? They must be kidding !

[@lastnamefirstname520]

This is not a feat! This is pure irresponsibility. They had nothing to do with the fact they survived this trip.

[@jonbromfield7643]

it might not get a punctured Tyre but if it broke down mid channel. It could have been dodgy...Not only were the waves large but the currents are strong

[@DaveSuperThomas]

That's when the passengers have to get out and push!

[@johnhextall1136]

Looks like fun!

[@KempSimon]

The Driver knew exactly what he was doing. He kept the Sea Tractor on the highest point of the sand bar all the way across and, if you notice, is using the interference pattern in the waves to plough through at the point where their energy is minimised. Pint on me in "Ye Olde Pilchard Inn" Sir!

[@5uperi0r]

I go there for holiday once per year to see my cousins its a great beach you can see dolphins, crabs and basking sharks if you're lucky but sometimes you'll see a jellyfish in the water and they are freaky as hell.

[@PsalmHymn]

What would Poirot say !

[@venturaboat]

is that a child on there with no lifejacket on???

[@lbamm]

well--i hope he did not try to drive back! Good job!

[@flaminriksta]

Anyone realised that this is a year and a half old?

[@kaideepewpew387]

No 6 years old now

[@sambray7832]

Looking forward getting on this this week

[@daverobinson8714]

Have you had that dude on it's side. Duped over all the way.

[@theprior46]

Job Opportunity - Sea Tractor Helmsman wanted - successful applicant will be provided with free waterproof underwear !

[@tarewaste]

It might have been a good idea to wait for low tide.

[@KempSimon]

The driver certainly earned his pint of Bass in the bar of Ye Olde Pilchard Inn after that journey!

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

I was down there on Tuesday and have been across on numerous other occasions. Although it looked like toppling over I don't think it would. Has it ever happened? btw i uploaded a video of Burgh Island yesterday if anyone fancies a look

There was no dawdling after 1:20

[@clairabelle23]

What's a sea tractor for ?

[@markharrington2686]

Looks fun 😜

[@StreetZipsSZ]

Forget life jackets! Clean underwear should have been provided instead!

[@DaveSuperThomas]

And wetsuits?

[@teresa6776]

What was the driver thinking taking it out in that weather, tool!

[@paulinesellars4177]

He'd usually been to the Pub!

[@DaveSuperThomas]

He probably wanted to get back to the bar of the Pilchard Inn to finish his pint!

[@tdf2972]

Boss made me or I wouldn't of need feed family you see when needs must I go out..

[@michealmccarthy4965]

Crosswaves are very dangerous, not worth the danger

[@daverobinson6184]

Well the ship almost went down. People on that thing need wet suite's

[@5uperi0r]

Also sometimes the tide is so low that a sand path can be seen going towards the island and we walked to the island once but on the way back the tide started getting high but we still got back

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Never hurd of a sea tractor

[@daverobinson6184]

If a person ride's that crazy death tractor in bad weather they give you a wet suite & a life vest in case the ship goes down. Any one must be out of there mind to ride that crazy thing in bad weather.

[@syp361]

good effort

[@KempSimon]

Brilliant driving!

[@plymouthbard1]

Scary for the folks on board.

[@DaveSuperThomas]

I'm sure it wasn't their first crossing in rough weather. You soon get used to it.

[@justinwaye549]

He was sacked very quickly after the event.

[@jjtruro]

Hope they didn’t buy a return ticket

[@snafujag100]

Desperate to make last call at the Pilchard.

[@daverobinson6184]

Hope them dude's have life jackets on, but it was so cool.

[@passtheparcel2007]

"they do know what they are doing.." Except on this "occasion"!

[@LL-ic9eh]

Can't believe they attempted to cross and you would have thought life jackets would be worn.

[@rocker959]

My friend used to drive that

[@UkrainianSolarYT]

Wow.. it was calm when I went

[@grahamcoles1966]

repeat of lovejoy bought me here

[@daverobinson6184]

Any one was on that thing need's a wet suite vest in case that tub goes down but I have to say it was funny

[@robinstubbs9449]

Madness. Is life worth so little than to risk it for the sake of keeping a booking?

[@BassSwirls]

It tipped over once....

[@davedenisetigg]

I'm going for a nice hot Radox bath now! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[@KempSimon]

Or a pint of draught Bass in the bar of Ye Olde Pilchard Inn?

[@weirwolfarroo]

Jesus! Just pay for a carwash - its only a tenner and you get wax too!

[@KempSimon]

More fun than a ride on the Blackpool roller-coaster!

[@syncrosimon]

That is crazy!

[@DaveSuperThomas]

Good fun if you ask me! Much more exciting than Alton Towers or Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

[@mikecrees159]

not very clever this not a lifejacket in sight

[@GordanoTed]

They should learn to duck dive that thing.

[@tomjwheeler]

Like a BOSS

[@RichardS-qh8mi]

Foolhardy in the extreme, they almost went over several times.

[@jeancamp15]

Really stupid they tried to even attempt it.

[@passtheparcel2007]

Why would people risk their lives so needlessly!

[@DaveSuperThomas]

To get over to the Pilchard Inn for a pint of Best Bitter and a Crab Sandwich? The nearest thing that I know of to heaven on earth is the bar of the Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island!

[@libbylove59]

I cant believe they would be so fool hardy, surely they could have waited for low tide. I hope the driver is proud of his stupidity and where the hell were there life jackets for Christ sake!

[@Johnx961]

I take it the skipper was sacked after that trip.

[@artyjack386]

Why would they even try and take it on in storms irresponsible,

[@daverobinson6184]

Rock that tractor

[@TravelScooterLondon]

1:16 Hercule Poirot !

[@rbodell]

What the hell ls that?

[@thephilippinesandme741]

Well ! That’s his hairdo ruined ! 🫣

[@ports100]

Although this makes good viewing,it is actually extremely dangerous and the Island owners know that it contravenes Health and Safety Regs.Is this how they care about their customers?These people could easily have been killed.Mr and Mrs Orchard you should be ashamed of yourselves,not that you seem to care about your important responsibility in operating this sea-tractor? I hope some sort of action is taken against them to insure the safety of any public who may ride this tractor in the future.

[@passtheparcel2007]

"Burgh Island Sea Tractor near fatallity", more like!

[@jontykilpatrick]

Health and safety? Ha ha ha. go get a life ports100. As jabs said, no one was forced to go on the tractor. Wish I'd been on it. Great fun!

[@Gonzoda]

get to ze cider

[@simonxag]

Stupid. Several waves were strong enough to knock the tractor onto 2 wheels, so a big random wave would easily knocked the thing over. And not a lifejacket to be seen.

[@KempSimon]

On the old Sea Tractor there were always lifebelts for First Class passengers and for those travelling Second Class there were leaflets under the seats entitled "Teach Yourself to Swim in Five Easy Lessons."

[@70sboy98]

No, Teach yourself to swim in 30 seconds.

[@7emiliafernandes7]

Drama

[@KempSimon]

Pretty much a routine crossing. I can remember going over to Burgh Island in 1967 on the old Sea Tractor - the one with caterpillar tracks - in worse weather than that!

[@mrcharlieheavengame5132]

Uuuh

[@frontrowmarine2355]

Ridiculous and with a child onboard!

[@KempSimon]

Happy memories to last a lifetime! More fun than a ride on the Blackpool roller-coaster!

[@butterflygirl1979]

Lifejackets??? That was terrifying to watch, was that journey really necessary?. Who was on board, thought I saw a little one but could be wrong. Glad it arrived safely though.