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Wales Online
04-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Walker with serious injury carried down Welsh beauty spot by rescuers
Walker with serious injury carried down Welsh beauty spot by rescuers Local coastguard helped the man after the accident on Great Orme The local coastguard carried them down (Image: Llandudno Coastguard ) A walker suffered a painful injury after falling and dislocating his knee on Llandudno's Great Orme yesterday, May 3. Emergency responders, including volunteers, rushed to the scene to assist the individual, who was subsequently carried from the renowned landmark for medical attention. The incident saw both the Welsh Ambulance Service and the Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team come to the aid of the stricken man. A spokesperson for the Llandudno Coastguard shared details on their Facebook page, stating: "In the afternoon, we were called out to assist Welsh Ambulance Service on the Great Orme. "A casualty had fallen and sustained a badly dislocated knee several hundred metres from the road. The Great Orme headland near Llandudno (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE ) "We used our cliff rescue stretcher to convey the casualty to the waiting ambulance where he was looked after by the paramedics." They added: "Whilst our area of operations is strictly Coastal we also deal with many incidents on the Great Orme. Article continues below "We are fully equipped to deal with a range of medical incidents and casualty evacuation from a variety of off road locations.", reports North Wales Live. The coastguard team also issued a reminder for public safety: "If you become aware of anyone in any danger or distress anywhere around the coast (or on the Great Orme) please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard." If you require the coastguard you can reach them on 999 (Image: Llandudno Coastguard ) On the same day, the Llandudno Coastguard Rescue team provided assistance to a woman who collapsed on the town's North Shore. After two members of the Llandudno Coastguards became aware of the situation, the remainder of the team was summoned to help the patient. A spokesperson for the Llandudno Coastguard said: "The casualty had collapsed whilst sitting on a bench and we were unable to establish the cause. Article continues below "We communicated with the Welsh Ambulance Services control room, kept the casualty comfortable and monitored her vital signs until an ambulance arrived. "Many thanks to a passing A&E doctor who provided invaluable help and advice."
North Wales Live
04-05-2025
- North Wales Live
The beautiful Conwy beaches you really shouldn't be visiting
A small pebbled cove on the Conwy coast has been celebrated as a top spot for observing seals in their natural habitat. But publicity about the 'truly special' place have left locals angry and indignant about the potential for disturbance by 'selfie-obsessed idiots'. Some fear an invasion of unruly visitors leaving litter and dog poo in their wake. Most, however, are worried about the impact on Atlantic grey seals at the under-the-radar site, where fencing has been erected to prevent people scrambling down to the beach. Local tensions have been simmering since the site near Llandudno was invaded by two people last month. Both were confronted by residents. An observer wrote online: 'They had crossed the barrier and one had gone down to the beach and scared seals and pups into the water, all for a TikTok.' This was followed by another incident last week in which youngsters were spotted throwing pebbles and rocks down onto the beach. 'Parents encouraged them even after we commented about it,' said a regular visitor. 'Some people are just feral and should be banned from visiting.' In recent years, seal disturbances have become more common at the cove as it becomes popularised on social media. Local people have complained of visitors throwing stones at seals and laughing at the effect this has on the wider colony. With each incident, there are fears the seals will be scared off and won't return. A clifftop path leads to a vantage point from which the mammals can be observed sunning themselves on rocks or frolicking in waves. In autumn, up to 200 seals mass on the pebbles. The beautiful surroundings have even drawn Hollywood film crews to the cove, sparking more local anger over seal intrusion. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Fanning the flames was a recent statement issued by a hotel booking website. Directing visitors to the cove, its CEO noted: 'British holidaymakers love a good seaside town and Llandudno has been a classic for generations. But just a short hike around the coast from its pastel promenade and Victorian pier is something truly special, and a real reward for nature lovers.' Subsequent publicity caused uproar with local people describing it as 'totally irresponsible'. 'I've been going there for years, it's always been so quiet, 3-4 people max,' said a woman online. 'Now it's all over social media – on Easter Sunday it was rammed packed.' Another added: 'Unfortunately many new visitors are not respectful and climb down the rocks shouting at each other and playing loud music. This isn't a Spanish summer attraction – soon the seals won't come if it continues.' Similar complaints have been made at another steep-sided cove along the coast. Less celebrated for its seal colony, it's nevertheless one of the largest in North Wales. It too attacts stone-throwers and the occasional beach invader: one incident involved a paraglider, another saw police launch an appeal. Llandudno Coastguard has previously warned over-excitable visitors to stay away when there are seals on the beaches. 'The seals are easily spooked and can injure themselves or other seals in trying to get away from people,' they said. 'And if you get too close, they can give a nasty bite.' At this time of year, seals are leaving the coves to feed at sea, returning only occassionally to haul up for a rest. During summer, there are no restrictions on people visiting. But from late summer, when the breeding season gets underway completely between late August and January, visitors are urged to avoid the beach completely - especially if they have dogs. Climbers are banned too, and this has been well observed, though there have been occasional complaints about kayakers and paddleboarders straying too close. As seals are protected by law, anyone found guilty of distrubance can be prosecuted, Providing visitors keep their distance, the colonies can still be viewed from the clifftops. Many have lavished praise on Tripadvisor, describing the walk as breathtaking and the view from the top as awe-inspiring. One reviewer said: 'Such a surprise, even though the only reason we visited was to see the seals. We never imagined so many of them lounging on the beach, taking little dips in the sea, barking and talking amongst themselves.' Another visitor described the cove as 'absolutely beautiful with unreal views' especially at sunset. A local resident agreed, saying it is the 'most beautiful thing you will see and show your children'. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Another added: 'If you do visit, please take your mess home and do not disturb the seals. Be mindful this is near a quiet housing estate with limited parking. The area is quite a wildlife haven for rare birds and plants, so please look after it if you want to appreciate and enjoy it.'
North Wales Live
23-04-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Concerns for three on stricken yacht near Puffin Island
A rescue mission was launched amid concerns for three people on a stricken yacht near Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol) Anglesey. The 30ft vessel had suffered engine failure and was unable to make progress under power. Efforts by the yacht's crew to restart the engine were unsuccessful. Sailing to Conwy Marina was ruled out due to the sea conditions and an unfavourable wind direction. Concerned for the safety of those onboard, Holyhead Coastguard paged RNLI Llandudno at 2.28pm on Saturday, April 19. Some 20 minutes later, the station launched its all-weather lifeboat, William F Yates. It reached the marooned yacht north of Puffin Island around 3.10pm. After assessing the situation, duty coxswain Tim James decided the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow. A line was attached and the yacht and the two boats reached the Conwy estuary by 4.40pm. With help from Llandudno Coastguard, the yacht was safely moored alongside the Beacons Jetty by the marina. Lifeboat operations manager Capt Marcus Elliott said: 'This incident highlights the vital role RNLI volunteers play in ensuring the safety of those at sea. 'The crew's swift response and professionalism ensured that all individuals on board the yacht were brought safely to shore without injury.' Uninhabited Puffin Island, off the eastern tip of Anglesey, is a Special Protection Area, particularly because of its Great Cormorant colony. Its modern English name refers to the Atlantic puffins that once thrived on the island until brown rat were introduced accidentally in the late 19th century. In turn, the rats were wiped out by a poisoning scheme some 25 years ago, allowing the resident puffin population to regain a foothold. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
