A tractor-trailer driver got seriously misled by his GPS in Corolla on Monday afternoon.

Currituck County Sheriff Matt Beickert said it happens about once a summer – a big rig driving down to the end of NC 12, then realizing the road ends … out on the beach.

Many times, deputies can turn them around before it’s too late.

Not today.

The Interstate Van Lines driver “thought he could do a U-turn on the beach,” Beickert said. It didn’t work.

“He sees ocean and knows he’s gone the wrong way,” the sheriff said.

A tow truck came and pulled the stuck truck free, but not before traffic backed up going north and lots of people got pictures.