A holidaymaker’s trip took an unfortunate turn this week after her white Volkswagen Beetle became the latest in a growing number of vehicles to end up mired in the sand at one of Wales’ most picturesque beaches. Located near Porthmadog, Traeth y Greigddu—also known as Black Rock Sands—has earned both admiration for its sweeping coastline and notoriety for trapping unwary motorists.
This marks the third such incident at this popular North Wales location in just one week, highlighting ongoing concerns about vehicle access and the coastal environment. The beleaguered tourist is believed to have been staying at a nearby campsite when her convertible became stuck late on Saturday evening. Despite seeking assistance, the incoming tide proved merciless, submerging the car overnight. North Wales Live reports that recovery efforts began as soon as the vehicle reappeared at low tide the following morning.
The incident follows two similar mishaps earlier in the week, involving campervans that encountered trouble on the same stretch of sand. In one case, a campervan was hauled to safety just before the sea washed over it, but another was left stranded and had to be salvaged the following day. These recent events have brought renewed scrutiny to Black Rock Sands, particularly as the current tally of stranded vehicles this year has now reached six.
Local resident Kevin Gibson, who has witnessed multiple incidents at the beach over the years, says this week alone he has observed three vehicles succumb to the notoriously soft sand and unpredictable tides. Gibson, who previously worked in vehicle recovery, explained, “She rang to say her car was stuck and asked if I could help, but I’ve stepped back from recoveries now. I advised her to check the signs at the beach entrance for council contact details.”
Gibson expressed sympathy for the visitors caught out by the tides, emphasising the distress and potential financial loss, especially as holidaymakers are often unfamiliar with the local landscape. “People come here not knowing the risks, and it’s a shame when things go wrong. Some of these are costly vehicles, and it’s always upsetting to think about their situation with insurance.”
Black Rock Sands is unique among North Wales beaches, offering the rare privilege of allowing cars onto its broad expanse of sand. This accessibility is a major draw for both locals and tourists, propelled in no small part by the beach’s popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok, where it’s often described as one of the best beaches in Wales. However, this same openness can easily become a pitfall.
Despite prominent warnings issued by authorities regarding the soft ground and swiftly changing tides, many visitors continue to venture out without heeding these cautions. Safety notices and council signage at the entrance remind drivers of the risks, but as these recent recoveries show, accidents are still all too common.
Local councillors and coastguard crews have once again urged visitors to act with care and avoid driving onto unfamiliar or untested sections of the beach. They recommend keeping abreast of tide times, sticking to well-trafficked routes, and seeking local advice, especially for those unfamiliar with the area’s hazards.
As Black Rock Sands continues to allure holidaymakers with its natural beauty and unique access, the incidents serve as a timely reminder of the power of the sea and the importance of respecting local guidance. The recurring tide of stranded vehicles has sparked calls for enhanced preventative measures, as well as renewed efforts to educate visitors about the hidden dangers beneath the inviting sand.