Campervan saved from sea by 'snorkel' after being swamped on Welsh beach

Wales Online

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Campervan saved from sea by 'snorkel' after being swamped on Welsh beach
Several cars have been swamped by the sea at the drive-on beach already this year
The marooned van is battered by waves
(Image: Kev Wardlaw )
Visitors to a popular Welsh beach are calling for stronger safety measures after several incidents of cars being caught out by tides. This year has seen numerous vehicles overtaken by the sea at a drive-on beach in Gwynedd.
Recently, an off-road VW campervan was the latest to suffer at the hands of the rising tide at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands), prompting bystanders to seek help via social media to rescue it. The van was engulfed by the rough sea, with its distress becoming a spectacle as the owners awaited assistance.
Fortunately, the van was built for such eventualities, fitted with a "snorkel" exhaust or raised air intake which helps guard against water damage and can enhance engine performance. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Though the van is believed to have been successfully retrieved, details of the rescuer remain unknown. While Cyngor Gwynedd's Maritime Service officers often aid in vehicle recovery, they operate only during working hours and the van was stranded after 9pm on Sunday, June 8.
Morfa Bychan's extensive sandy stretch near Porthmadog is one of the rare north Wales beaches that permit vehicular access. The spot has garnered affection on TikTok, regularly described as "one of the best beaches in Wales", reports North Wales Live.
The drive-up advantage allows families easy access to the shore without the burden of carrying beach gear from remote parking spots. However, this convenience isn't free: from April 1 to September 30, a day ticket costs £8 for cars and £16 for larger vehicles and campervans.
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Despite several warnings about soft sand and rapidly changing tides, people often disregard the notices. This year alone, numerous vehicles have been trapped by the beach during the mild spring days, with expensive cars frequently becoming casualties.
The incoming tide threatens to swamp the vehicle. Among those calling for help was Kev Wardlaw, who took these images
(Image: Kev Wardlaw )
Reacting to a recent event, a woman from Staffordshire posted online: "People need to understand the sea around there. It can sweep around Porthmadog and suddenly you're on an island of quicksand."
Recalling childhood holidays in the area, she noted: "On all the holidays we've had near there as a kid, it's caught many people out. There is a local farmer who gets the job of pulling people out. He risks himself and his equipment for the big egos who think they can take on nature."
Some cars are rescued before damage is done, but for others, engine exposure to salt water could mean total loss.
With warning signs and safety guidelines in place, insurers are unlikely to foot the bill for replacements.
The beach offers great opportunities for swimming and water sports; however, its gradual slope brings the tide in swiftly. Saturated sand captures vehicles in no time, and without assistance, escape is nearly impossible.
When council beach staff are unavailable, the only recourse is a "third-party contractor" such as a recovery firm or a cooperative farmer. In these instances, the local authority cautions that drivers will be "responsible for the associated costs".
Over time, police have clamped down on drivers speeding and performing "donut" handbrake turns on the beach, which has a 10mph speed limit. In November 2023, two men from Wiltshire, aged 20 and 21, were penalised for dangerous driving on the sand.
North Wales Police have consistently maintained that their officers will react to incidents of anti-social driving and intervene as needed. Dispersal orders have been implemented at several car gatherings, with patrol efforts ongoing in the vicinity.
Echoing the stance of Cyngor Gwynedd, the force is committed to a "zero-tolerance" policy on dangerous driving.
The local council is keen for beachgoers to savour their time by the sea but emphasises the importance of safety. They encourage visitors to stay informed about the weather forecast and tidal schedules, and to approach the seafront with due reverence.
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Motorists are being particularly reminded to pay attention to safety signage on the beach.
A spokesperson said: "Motorists are advised to avoid parking below the high tide line and stay alert to changes in weather and sea conditions."