A brand new Mercedes-Benz coupe came to an unfortunate and soggy end on one of Gwynedd’s most scenic stretches when it became stranded on the infamous Traeth y Greigddu – known locally as Black Rock Sands. The high-spec hire car is the latest in a line of vehicles to fall prey to the beach’s fast-moving tides, with the Mercedes spending two days partially submerged before its owners could return to attempt a salvage. The incident unfolded between Monday evening and Wednesday evening as increasingly bemused onlookers monitored its fate.
This drama is the most recent in a worrying trend at the popular drive-on beach near Porthmadog, where the so-called ‘silly season’ seems to have arrived earlier than usual this year. Just a fortnight prior, a similar incident saw an Audi suffer a comparable watery demise at the opposite end of the beach, highlighting the frequency with which even high-end vehicles are lured into the tidal trap.
Local reaction swung between fits of laughter and exasperated shrugs as images of the stricken Mercedes circulated across social media platforms. Some online commenters offered sympathy for the luckless drivers, with one woman writing, “Omg I’d be devastated. Easy to make a mistake, I feel sorry for them.” However, patience is clearly wearing thin among residents, many of whom have witnessed such scenes play out countless times. “I’ve lost count of how many cars have done this on Blackrock,” lamented one local.
There was little in the way of consolation for the Mercedes’ driver, as the majority of responses carried an air of resigned mockery. “What an absolute plonker,” wrote one social media user. Another quipped, “It’s the cars I feel sorry for,” while others speculated about how one might explain such a mishap to an insurance company: “Oops. Try and explain that to the insurance company because it won’t cover stupidity.”
The frequency of these incidents is more than just a running joke. According to Gwynedd’s Criccieth Coastguard Rescue Team, there have already been five reported cases of vehicles getting stuck during April alone. The Coastguard responded to two of these, including the Mercedes coupe episode. A team spokesperson commented, “For the second time this year already, the team were tasked to a vehicle that had been caught out by the tide last night at 19:50. By the time they got to it, it was completely submerged! As nice as it is to be able to drive on to a beach, please be fully aware of the tidal conditions! We are not equipped to tow vehicles.”
Traeth y Greigddu’s unique appeal stems from its wide, sandy expanse and shallow shelf, making it attractive for holidaymakers and swimmers. However, these same features pose a hazard to vehicles; drivers are often tempted to venture too far during low tide, only to have the sea reclaim the sand with surprising speed. Despite steep parking fees of £8 for cars and £16 for motorhomes, the allure of Black Rock Sands continues to draw large crowds – and, too often, their unsuspecting vehicles.
Throughout the years, all manner of vehicles, from family hatchbacks to 4x4s and motorhomes, have been caught off-guard at Black Rock Sands. Some have required extensive mechanical intervention or have been lost entirely to the sea, while others have been left buried in sands until safely extracted.
Local authorities, aware of the dangers, have taken steps to reduce such incidents by erecting clear advisory signs at several points along the beach and posting regular alerts via their social media platforms. Even so, these measures appear to go unheeded all too frequently, sparking debate about whether even stricter deterrents are required.
It’s a familiar and frustrating cycle for search and rescue teams, holidaymakers and residents alike. While the blend of natural beauty and vehicular access remains a powerful draw, incidents such as these serve as a lasting reminder of the unpredictable power of the sea – and the merits of heeding local advice. For now, drivers are once again urged to treat the tides with utmost respect, lest their next trip end in a costly and embarrassing rescue.