Campervan stuck in the sand at popular beach is swept out to sea
The motorhome was eventually overwhelmed by the tide and lost just off Traeth y Greigddu - Black Rock Sands - near Porthmadog despite the efforts of jetskiers using 4x4s to try and save it
Dramatic images have shown the moment a stricken campervan was swept out to sea despite a daring attempt to rescue it by jetskiers, after it became trapped in the sands at a popular Welsh beach.
The vehicle was eventually overwhelmed by the tide and lost just off Traeth y Greigddu - Black Rock Sands - near Porthmadog, last Friday. Photos show the motorhome being engulfed by the advancing sea, with eyewitnesses reporting that there was an attempt to save the campervan.
The rescue bid was led by jet skiers who were attending a fundraising event by Colwyn PWC Riders. Reports say the same vehicle had become stuck once already that day and was rescued with assistance from the vehicles of the jet ski riders, but the tide had been too fast for a second rescue.
People rallied around to help the stranded vehicle - with a witness saying there were around six jet skiers trying to help the owners. They tried to tow the van to safety with a pick-up truck along with a 4x4 Land Rover Defender.
One of those helping said: "We tried to move the camper a second time but it wouldn't move, the wheels didn't spin, they were stuck. We then tried a third time to retrieve the camper - attempting to drag it out with two vehicles but this time it was totally stuck.
"We were in danger of digging into the sand ourselves. Someone then called for the tractor, and the rest is history."
Phil Butler, an admin on Abersoch Appreciation Page, said he wanted to set the record straight. He said: "A few people who weren't even there, are saying, why did no one attempt to help, but some people certainly did."
He added: "Even using two towing vehicles the camper would not move, so eventually it had to be left exactly where it was stuck. The incoming tide won the battle."
Three years ago, the Mirror reported on a very similar story at the same spot at Black Rock Sands when the owners of a campervan parked on the sandy beach had to raise the alarm when their mobile home was stuck. They too were left helpless as the tide came in but remarkably their vehicle was saved.
Eyewitnesses say the beach was packed with people in April 2022 when the people inside suddenly realised the sea was creeping closer to the van. When they tried to move, the wheels spun helplessly leaving them to ask for help from those nearby.
When a 4x4 could not help, a tractor was called for to haul it from the waves lapping at its tyres. People at the scene said the people in the vehicle were shocked at what had happened.
One said: "They realised the tide was coming in and tried to move the camper but it was stuck fast. Attempts were made to pull it out before the water got to it but that didn't work. I don't know how it never floated away before the tractor arrived and succeeded in pulling it free."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
7 hours ago
- ITV News
Parts of UK expected to reach 'heatwave criteria' amid health warnings
The UK could break its record for the warmest day of the year for the second day in a row, with temperatures up to 33C forecast for Friday. Some places may hit the criteria needed to officially declare a heatwave. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Cat hats: Should you be protecting your pets from the sun? Temperatures reached as high as 32.2C in Kew, west London, on Thursday, amid an amber heat-health alert for all regions in England. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Meanwhile, temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s and could potentially hit 33C on Friday, the Met Office said. By Friday afternoon a number of areas are expected to have passed the heatwave criteria, Met Office weather forecaster Dan Stroud said. Mr Stroud said: 'We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue, it does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday, we're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30s, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C.'Increasing amounts of cloud will move in from the west on Saturday, with a chance of showers, some which could be thundery in North Wales and north-west England, while eastern areas will see another dry and hot day, he added. Temperatures will be in the low 30s, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C is possible, still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976. Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20s, elsewhere it will be cooler, with temperatures in the mid 20s, Mr Stroud said. It comes after a warning has been issued as firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year so far. As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents.
Powys County Times
7 hours ago
- Powys County Times
UK could record another warmest day of year as temperatures up to 33C forecast
The UK could break its record for the warmest day of the year for the second day in a row, with temperatures up to 33C forecast. Temperatures reached as high as 32.2C in Kew, west London, on Thursday, amid an amber heat-health alert for all regions in England. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Meanwhile, temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s and could potentially hit 33C on Friday, the Met Office said. And by Friday afternoon a number of areas are expected to have passed the heatwave criteria, Met Office weather forecaster Dan Stroud said. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Friday is set to be another hot day, but what else is on the cards? Find out in the latest 4cast 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) June 19, 2025 Mr Stroud said: 'We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue, it does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday, we're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30s, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C.' Increasing amounts of cloud will move in from the west on Saturday, with a chance of showers, some which could be thundery in North Wales and north-west England, while eastern areas will see another dry and hot day, he added. Temperatures will be in the low 30s, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C is possible, still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976. Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20s, elsewhere it will be cooler, with temperatures in the mid 20s, Mr Stroud said. It comes after a warning has been issued as firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year so far. As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Dog breeds most at risk in scorching heatwave as vet tells owners to check gums
As temperatures are set to soar to 33C this weekend, The Yorkshire Vet's Matt Jackson-Smith has warned pet owners of one major mistake that people make during heatwaves With the UK baking in a scorching heatwave, The Yorkshire Vet 's Matt Jackson-Smith has warned that some dogs are much more vulnerable to the soaring temperatures - and pet owners need to take urgent precautions. The Channel 5 vet says that certain breeds are significantly more at risk of heatstroke and should be closely monitored in hot weather, especially when temperatures climb above 25C. "The first thing to do is look at the breed of dog you have. Certain breeds of dogs struggle more than others,' Matt told the Mirror. "Smaller dogs like bulldogs and mastiffs can have heat stress at lower temperatures than others." Flat-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic breeds - like pugs, French bulldogs, boxers and Shih Tzus - are particularly vulnerable because of how they regulate their body temperature. "There's so much heat they lose through panting, and they can't pant and breathe at the same time," he explained. "Those really struggle." But it's not just the small, flat-faced pets at risk. Larger breeds, especially those with thick coats, are also in danger when the mercury rises. "The bigger the dog, they can't bear the heat as well because of heat loss," Matt warned. "They are more at risk than smaller dogs." Dogs with thick fur or double coats, such as Newfoundlands, St Bernards, Huskies and Akitas, can quickly overheat, especially if left in stuffy indoor spaces or exposed to direct sunlight. Even indoors, owners need to be mindful of high temperatures, especially in areas like conservatories or poorly ventilated rooms. "Temperatures in a conservatory can reach well into the 30s so keep them well away from there," he said. "If the inside of the house is reaching high temperatures, you have to look for stone floors that provide a cool area for dogs." Matt recommends using cooling mats, frozen treats, and plenty of water to help dogs cope. But he warns against a common mistake many owners make - using ice baths or plunge pools. "You shouldn't use ice wash to cool them down when they are showing signs of heatstroke, or plunge pools - that can induce shock," he said. "You want them to cool down gradually. Get some cool wet towels and put them down." He also urged owners to watch for signs of heatstroke, including uncontrollable panting, vomiting, diarrhoea, red or pale gums, and collapse - and to skip walks altogether during the hottest part of the day. 'When you're getting over 25C, you're into the risk area for any dog,' he said. 'Some dogs will just sit in the heat and get themselves into a real mess.' And while cats can suffer from heatstroke too, Matt says it's far more common in dogs - especially those big, woolly breeds or smaller flat-faced pets. 'Plenty of water, cool areas, and being mindful of the time of day for any activity is crucial,' he added. For sun-loving pets, he even recommends using pet-safe suncream - especially for animals with light fur or exposed skin. 'The whiter the animal and the more exposed the skin, put suncream on,' Matt advised.
