**Campervan Rescued Twice After Becoming Trapped on Black Rock Sands**
A holiday campervan found itself at the centre of a dramatic scene on Black Rock Sands in Gwynedd last Friday, after being stranded by the rising tide—not once, but twice in a single day. The ill-fated vehicle’s ordeal drew the attention of beachgoers and the wider public, with video footage and images circulating widely on social media showing the vehicle being increasingly surrounded by water as the tide swept in.
The incident unfolded at Traeth y Greigddu, also known as Black Rock Sands, a popular destination near Porthmadog, and coincided with a charity jet ski event hosted by Colwyn PWC Riders. Organisers and attendees at the event, who had gathered well over £25,000 for charitable causes, became unwitting participants in a dramatic rescue effort as the campervan’s owners sought help.
While some social media users speculated that bystanders neglected to intervene, eyewitness reports and official statements paint a different picture. Many people did, in fact, join in a substantial rescue effort mounted by jet skiers and event participants, demonstrating a strong sense of community spirit in the face of unexpected adversity.
According to eyewitnesses, the campervan first became stuck in the soft sands earlier in the day. Thanks to the swift intervention of several vehicles, including those brought by eventgoers, the van was initially freed. However, misfortune struck yet again when, only hours later, the same vehicle became bogged down once more as the tide began to creep in.
This time, the rescue operation intensified. Approximately six jet skiers, along with the owners, made repeated attempts to extract the vehicle from the sand. They brought in a variety of vehicles to aid the rescue, including a pickup truck and a sturdy Land Rover Defender, in a bid to tow the campervan to safer ground. However, despite their best efforts, the combination of saturated sand and the weight of the motorhome meant the campervan would not budge. In fact, rescuers feared their own vehicles might become stuck as well.
One participant recounted the difficulty of the situation: “We made several attempts to move the camper, but the wheels wouldn’t even rotate—they were completely buried. Even together, neither the Defender nor the pickup could get it to move. In the end, we worried about making the situation worse. When we called for a tractor, it was already too late for the tide.”
Phil Butler, an admin from the Abersoch Appreciation Page, was keen to address misinformation circulating online. Responding to claims of bystander apathy, he clarified that significant help was offered: “Some people who weren’t present have said no one tried to help, but the truth is, a lot of effort went in. Even with two heavy-duty vehicles, it wasn’t possible to free the campervan. The incoming tide ultimately sealed its fate.”
Despite the campervan’s predicament, the charity event pressed on, seeing more than 100 jet ski riders participate over the weekend. In total, the event raised an impressive £25,163.97, earmarked for noble causes such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Mountain Rescue, Macca’s Project, and Elsie’s Story. These organisations provide vital services to coastal and mountain communities across the region.
The spectacle on Black Rock Sands serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise on Britain’s beaches, particularly when vehicles are driven onto unstable or shifting sands. It also highlights the efforts of community members who step forward to assist, whatever the odds.
The outcome was an unfortunate loss for the owners, but the incident brought together a spirit of camaraderie among those who quickly coordinated and attempted to effect a rescue. Events such as this remind us of both the perils of coastal recreation and the willingness of strangers to help in times of need.
As the summer draws on and more visitors flock to Wales’ picturesque beaches, the episode at Black Rock Sands is a timely caution about the importance of respecting natural tides, taking proper precautions—and, above all, the ongoing need for effective coastal emergency response.