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Wales Online
11 hours 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.
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Desperate attempts were made to save campervan swamped by sea at Gwynedd beach
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Desperate attempts were made by fundraising jet skiers to save a campervan stuck in the sand at a famous Gwynedd beach before it was swamped by the sea. The incident happened at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands), near Porthmadog, on Friday. Pictures and videos have circulated of the motorhome being swallowed by the sea as the tide came in. On social media it had been claimed that efforts were not made by others to save the vehicle. But witnesses have said that a major bid was undertaken to get the van to safety. This was done by jet skiers who were on the beach as part of an event organised by Colwyn PWC Riders that raised more than £25,000 for good causes. The motorhome incident was reportedly the second time it had got stuck that day. On the first occasion the camper was towed out of the sand with help from vehicles owned by the jet ski riders. But later in the day the motorhome again found itself trapped in the sand. Once again 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." (Image: Kevin Gibson) Colwyn PWC Riders organised the event over the weekend which was attended by more than 100 riders from North Wales and further afield. A total of £25,163.97 was raised. Funds raised will go to several worthy causes, including the RNLI and Mountain Rescue – both vital organisations dedicated to saving lives at sea and on land – as well as Macca's Project and Elsie's Story, two deeply meaningful community-led initiatives. . Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle are submerged by the sea after owners 'ignored warnings of fast tide'
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle were sumberged by vicious waves on a Welsh beach after their owners 'ignored warnings of a fast tide'. The vehicles suffered the same fate within days of each other at scenic Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog. A VW camper van was swamped on June 8 after being parked on the sand, while another campervan also succumbed to the water on Friday 13. One day later, a white convertible beetle was also soaked - though it reappeared the next morning. Black Rock Sands is one of the few beaches in north Wales where cars are allowed to drive, but its gentle shelf means the tide comes in fast. Waterlogged sand quickly traps vehicles leaving little chance of escape, without help. Local Kevin Gibson said he had seen many drivers often get caught out: 'It's one of the very few beaches which you can drive on. It's very popular. People don't take notice.' 'When they drive on the beach they are warned not to drive past warning signs of soft sand and fast tide. 'Unfortunately we are seeing cars get caught out all too often as the warnings are ignored. I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them.' Kevin Wardlaw, who spotted the campervan, said: 'I can see how easy it could be for people to get caught out, but there are signs there.'
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Third vehicle submerged by sea in a week in 'baffling' trend
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers have weighed in on a recent incident where a holidaymaker's convertible VW Beetle was engulfed by the sea at a North Wales beach. Just last week alone, two campervans ran into trouble at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) near Porthmadog. One narrowly escaped being overwhelmed by the rising tide, while the other wasn't as fortunate, becoming marooned as the waters rose on Friday evening, with recovery only possible on Saturday. Another mishap occurred over the weekend when a woman, believed to be staying at a neighbouring campsite, found her white VW Beetle trapped in sand on Saturday evening. Despite seeking assistance, the car was swallowed up by the night-time tide and only resurfaced the following morning. Local man Kevin Gibson, who has witnessed three similar incidents this week alone – and six throughout the year – responded to the distressed call from the VW owner, citing his past experience in beach vehicle recoveries. He said: "She called to say her car was stuck in the sand and if I could help but I no longer work on recoveries so I advised her to try to get the details to contact the council which are on signs at the entrance. She said she was staying at a local campsite and didn't really know the area." He commented: "This is the third time in a week here. I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them. These are often expensive vehicles so it is a lot to lose and I don't know what the situation is with insurance when this happens." One reader Lucy1967 asks: "Are there warning signs there?" Emsiebabes81 responds: "Yes, as you drive onto the beach. Clearly not visible enough." Gwyndaffy adds: "Yes it's called the sea. The big wet thing that approaches rapidly." LovelyChris remarks: "It's common sense sea comes in and out why should they put signs up." Bytchwivwings questions: "When are they going to learn to read?" Rathers agrees: "Just what I was going to say. I have been to this lovely beach many times and stayed at the top of the beach and never had a problem." Criccieth says: "It's not a bloody lake, it's the sea!" Iagollewjones comments: "She didn't know the area! You do now. You don't have to be a geography professor to work out it's a flat sandy beach with tides that go in and out twice a day. Go to the lake district next year, it's not tidal. If I lived in Morfa Bychan I'd be on the hunt for an old Telehandler, make a fortune each year pulling them out, I'd even do a dance on tik tok to lure even more of them!" Happenstonotcareatall12 sympathises: "She made a mistake why go on and on and on and on and on and on?" Outofhere criticises: "Entitled to do what they want. No thought for people who rescue them or the potential pollution." Joskinner wonders: "Why, why, why do people feel the need to take a vehicle on to the beach? Baffling." Borntobemild comments: "It seems that most of the vehicles getting stuck are white. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or if it says something about the owners of white vehicles." Llaregub says: "What would be the stance of the insurance company in such a situation?" Captcheese replies: "A beach isn't exactly a road, so I'd say it's a bit dubious." ThePickledLiver chimes in with: "Even comprehensive cover usually excludes any off-road use. Then there's typically a 'reasonable care' clause, so I reckon an insurer could invoke that as well. Many years ago, a tree fell in high winds and just clipped the corner of my new-ish Dolomite. The insurer reduced the payout by 50% because the storm was forecasted and 'reasonable care' would have been me moving the car away from trees. "I know times have changed and they're a bit more lenient these days, but I reckon the insured ignoring salty water that appears every six hours, and having passed warning signs, means they could - and should - be looking at full loss." Rojer says: "BBC Wales should create a TV programme about this. It would be very exciting i.e. will the owner swim out and save the car in time or not?" Kaliyuga666 writes: "I can't help but laugh at these people. Vehicles should not be allowed on beaches, end of story." Do you think that this is becoming a usual sight at beaches around North Wales? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Third vehicle submerged by sea in a week in 'baffling' trend
North Wales Live readers have weighed in on a recent incident where a holidaymaker's convertible VW Beetle was engulfed by the sea at a North Wales beach. Just last week alone, two campervans ran into trouble at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) near Porthmadog. One narrowly escaped being overwhelmed by the rising tide, while the other wasn't as fortunate, becoming marooned as the waters rose on Friday evening, with recovery only possible on Saturday. Another mishap occurred over the weekend when a woman, believed to be staying at a neighbouring campsite, found her white VW Beetle trapped in sand on Saturday evening. Despite seeking assistance, the car was swallowed up by the night-time tide and only resurfaced the following morning. Local man Kevin Gibson, who has witnessed three similar incidents this week alone – and six throughout the year – responded to the distressed call from the VW owner, citing his past experience in beach vehicle recoveries. He said: "She called to say her car was stuck in the sand and if I could help but I no longer work on recoveries so I advised her to try to get the details to contact the council which are on signs at the entrance. She said she was staying at a local campsite and didn't really know the area." He commented: "This is the third time in a week here. I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them. These are often expensive vehicles so it is a lot to lose and I don't know what the situation is with insurance when this happens." One reader Lucy1967 asks: "Are there warning signs there?" Emsiebabes81 responds: "Yes, as you drive onto the beach. Clearly not visible enough." Gwyndaffy adds: "Yes it's called the sea. The big wet thing that approaches rapidly." LovelyChris remarks: "It's common sense sea comes in and out why should they put signs up." Bytchwivwings questions: "When are they going to learn to read?" Rathers agrees: "Just what I was going to say. I have been to this lovely beach many times and stayed at the top of the beach and never had a problem." Criccieth says: "It's not a bloody lake, it's the sea!" Iagollewjones comments: "She didn't know the area! You do now. You don't have to be a geography professor to work out it's a flat sandy beach with tides that go in and out twice a day. Go to the lake district next year, it's not tidal. If I lived in Morfa Bychan I'd be on the hunt for an old Telehandler, make a fortune each year pulling them out, I'd even do a dance on tik tok to lure even more of them!" Happenstonotcareatall12 sympathises: "She made a mistake why go on and on and on and on and on and on?" Outofhere criticises: "Entitled to do what they want. No thought for people who rescue them or the potential pollution." Joskinner wonders: "Why, why, why do people feel the need to take a vehicle on to the beach? Baffling." Borntobemild comments: "It seems that most of the vehicles getting stuck are white. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or if it says something about the owners of white vehicles." Llaregub says: "What would be the stance of the insurance company in such a situation?" Captcheese replies: "A beach isn't exactly a road, so I'd say it's a bit dubious." ThePickledLiver chimes in with: "Even comprehensive cover usually excludes any off-road use. Then there's typically a 'reasonable care' clause, so I reckon an insurer could invoke that as well. Many years ago, a tree fell in high winds and just clipped the corner of my new-ish Dolomite. The insurer reduced the payout by 50% because the storm was forecasted and 'reasonable care' would have been me moving the car away from trees. "I know times have changed and they're a bit more lenient these days, but I reckon the insured ignoring salty water that appears every six hours, and having passed warning signs, means they could - and should - be looking at full loss." Rojer says: " BBC Wales should create a TV programme about this. It would be very exciting i.e. will the owner swim out and save the car in time or not?" Kaliyuga666 writes: "I can't help but laugh at these people. Vehicles should not be allowed on beaches, end of story."
