Latest news with #AbersochAppreciationPage
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
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."
Wales Online
a day ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time The campervan was involved in two incidents that day as the tide threaten to sweep the vehicle away Campervan submerged by the sea at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) (Image: Kevin Gibson ) In a race against time, fundraising jet skiers tried to rescue a campervan stuck in the sands of the renowned Gwynedd beach, Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog. The ordeal unfolded last Friday as the tide approached threatening to sweep the van away. Images and footage have made the rounds online, depicting the distressing moment the motorhome succumbed to the advancing sea. There were rumours on social media suggesting that passers by didn't attempt to save the vehicle. However, eyewitness accounts tell a story of a significant rescue effort by jet skiers at the beach for an event organised by Colwyn PWC Riders, which successfully gathered more than £25,000 for charitable causes. Jet skiers tried to recover stranded camper van on Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) Earlier that day, the campervan had already been in a similar incident. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Thanks to the aid of vehicles belonging to those participating in the jetski event the van was removed the first time. Misfortune struck again later when the vehicle became stuck once more. Article continues below This time, a concerted effort ensued as roughly six jet skiers endeavoured to assist the beleaguered owners. They deployed a pickup truck and a 4x4 Land Rover Defender in a bid to tug the van to safety, reports North Wales Live. A participant in the operation recounted: "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, has come forward to clear the air. He commented: "A few people who weren't even there, are saying, why did no one attempt to help, but some people certainly did." He went on to say: "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." The Colwyn PWC Riders hosted this event over the weekend, attracting upwards of 100 riders from North Wales and beyond. An impressive £25,163.97 was collected. Article continues below The proceeds will benefit a selection of noble causes, such as the RNLI and Mountain Rescue – both essential services for saving lives at sea and on the mountains, respectively – along with Macca's Project and Elsie's Story, two impactful community-focused projects.
