Desperate attempts were made to save campervan swamped by sea at Gwynedd beach
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
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