Major rescue launched to teens in danger after 'tombstoning' near castle

North Wales Live

01-07-2025

A major rescue was launched last night (Monday) when two teens get into trouble after 'tombstoning' near a North Wales castle.
One became cragfast on rocks under Criccieth Castle, while another was waist deep in water who called police on 999. Coastguard rescue teams, North Wales Police, lifeboat crews, the fire service, ambulance service, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team and a Coastguard helicopter were scrambled to the scene.
People have been warned of the dangers of tombstoning - a high-risk, activity where people jump or dive from height into water, following the rescue.
A Criccieth Lifeboat statement said: "At 9.06pm on Monday evening (1.6.25) both Lifeboats from Criccieth's RNLI Lifeboat Station launched immediately following reports of a youth stuck on cliffs beneath Criccieth Castle.
"The youth had been part of a larger group who were tomb-stoning from boulders, prior to climbing onto a higher ledge and being unable to climb down. Another youth, who'd tried to help, was assisted out of the water suffering from the effects of the cold.
"The Crew, alongside teams from Gwylwyr y Glannau Criccieth / Criccieth Coastguard Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire & Rescue and the Welsh Ambulance Service attended, as well as HM Coastguard's Rescue 936 Helicopter.
"Following a full assessment of the situation-including use of a Police drone-the emergency services concluded that the safest means of extracting the youth was for a member of Criccieth's HM Coastguard team to abseil down the high cliff from near the castle, secure the youth in a strop, and continue the descent down to the Station's awaiting inshore rescue boat.
"The Crew transferred the youth, who was suffering from the effects of the cold, into the care of an awaiting Ambulance team. The Rescue 936 helicopter flew at low-level illuminating the scene whilst the rescue was concluded. All emergency services remained at the scene during the complex, multi-agency response."
A Crricieth Coastguard statement said: "At 21:06 the team were tasked to reports of 2 casualties in the vicinity of Criccieth Castle - one in the water and one stuck on the cliffside and unable to move.
"Upon our arrival Criccieth Lifeboat was on scene, with the lifeboat just making its way in to rescue the one in the water and to have eyes on the cliff side.
"Our team made their way up to the castle with ALL of our equipment (including the 300m rope bag) and set up for a rescue to send a technician down to the 2nd casualty to secure him and then proceed to lower him down to the waiting lifeboat.
"Once in the boat the casualty and our technician were safely taken ashore with the casualty being checked over by the waiting ambulance team.
"Great representation this evening of teamwork between all parties involved. Happy to see both safe after the experience."
A Criccieth lifeboat spokesperson added: 'Diving off the boulders and cliffs around the Castle is common-place during the summer months, however anyone going onto the rocks should be aware of the grave danger. It's a high-risk activity that has the potential to end in injury or tragedy.
"Thankfully this evening's incident concluded safely due to the response of the Crew, other emergency services and notably the bravery of our local HM Coastguard team; it's a reminder of the significant dangers of such activities. We wish the youth a speedy recovery.
"We'd also like to remind people not to place themselves in danger when seeking to help, and instead dial 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service."
At 11.30pm both Lifeboats were refuelled and once again ready for service.