Local mechanic in business of towing beached vehicles says he’s busier since COVID-19

SAMOA, Calif. (KIEM)-A local mechanic in the business of towing beached vehicles as a side-job in was busy last night when a call came in a little after 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

Senior Mechanic Mike Astry for Humboldt County, arrived to a 2010 Audi submerged – as you see there – and with the help of his commercial vehicle – equipped with a winch and large tires – he was able to get the SUV out of the ocean.

Astry says, he had to call for back-up when the winch snapped, and after about nearly six hours with the help of Pacific Towing staff the SUV was removed from the beach. 

He says, the owner of the vehicle decided to take a little drive near the surf, which – according to Astry – is not a good idea – especially vehicles not equipped to handle that type terrain. 

“He should have known, everybody’s been knowing lately about our big waves we’ve been having coming in lately,” he said.  “This is probably the 40th or 50th vehicle I’ve pulled off the beach since this summer, Um, yeah, I would stay off the beach with all wheel drives, you could lose your vehicle, even your life.”