11 hours ago
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.
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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.
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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.
