**Major Rescue Operation After Teens Endangered by Tombstoning Incident at Criccieth Castle**
A large-scale emergency response was deployed on Monday evening after two teenagers became trapped in a hazardous situation near the famous Criccieth Castle in Gwynedd. The incident unfolded shortly after 9pm, prompting the intervention of multiple rescue teams and reigniting warnings about the perils of so-called ‘tombstoning’, a dangerous pastime involving jumping from heights into water.
According to initial reports, one of the teenagers found themselves stranded on rocky cliffs beneath the historic medieval fortress, while the other was stuck waist-deep in cold water nearby. The situation escalated quickly, with the teenager in the water managing to call 999 for urgent help. Eyewitnesses later described a swift multi-agency response as blue lights converged on the popular beauty spot.
Personnel from Coastguard Rescue, North Wales Police, RNLI lifeboat crews, the fire and ambulance services, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, and a Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter attended the scene. Each agency played a crucial role as darkness and challenging terrain complicated the operation. This rapid deployment underlined the coordinated effort frequently required to tackle incidents in remote or perilous coastal spots.
A statement released by the Criccieth RNLI lifeboat station outlined the sequence of events. Both of their boats launched after receiving news at 9.06pm that a youth was marooned on cliffs following a tombstoning attempt. The group had reportedly been leaping from boulders before escalating to a higher, riskier ledge. Unable to descend, one teenager remained stranded while another trying to assist became immobilised in the chilly water and required immediate attention due to hypothermia risk.
On arrival, lifeboat crews, in partnership with coastguard and mountain rescue colleagues, conducted a detailed evaluation using police drone technology. Ultimately, the decision was made for a coastguard specialist to abseil from the castle down the high cliff, where they secured the youth in a rescue strop before continuing the descent to the waiting inshore lifeboat. The dramatic nature of the rescue was compounded by the presence of the Rescue 936 helicopter, which hovered low, bathing the area in light to support the teams below.
After being brought ashore, both teenagers received assessments from ambulance personnel. A spokesperson confirmed that although both were suffering from the effects of cold exposure, neither appeared to have sustained serious injury. The rescue was concluded just before midnight, with the lifeboats refuelled and prepared for further callouts by 11.30pm.
The incident has prompted renewed appeals for the public to consider the grave risks associated with tombstoning. Representatives from the lifeboat station and coastguard stressed that jumping from rocks and cliffs, particularly near strong coastal currents or unknown underwater hazards, can easily lead to tragedy. During the summer months, tombstoning activity is known to increase, often drawing young people seeking thrills but underestimating hidden dangers.
The RNLI further cautioned against potential rescuers putting themselves in jeopardy, highlighting that well-intentioned attempts to assist can exacerbate already perilous scenarios. Instead, anyone witnessing an emergency is strongly advised to dial 999 and request the appropriate emergency services rather than intervening directly.
As summer approaches and more visitors flock to the Welsh coastline, this incident serves as a timely reminder of both the beauty and the hazards inherent in natural landscapes. The professionalism and bravery of the numerous agencies involved have been widely praised, with officials expressing relief that the outcome was not more severe.
Local authorities and emergency services are now urging families, schools, and youth groups to discuss the risks linked to high-risk recreational activities such as tombstoning. A spokesperson for Criccieth Coastguard summed up the collective message: “We are glad both teenagers are safe, but encourage everyone to respect the coastline and avoid unnecessary dangers. The combined response tonight highlights both the efficiency of our emergency teams and the simple mistakes that can place lives at risk.”