MOTORHOME STUCK IN SAND AS TIDE ROSE

A TRACTOR was called in to haul an expensive motorhome to safety after it got stuck in soft sand as the tide raced in.

The drama happened at Black Rock sands beach near Porthmadog late on Tuesday afternoon last week.

Eyewitnesses said the beach was busy with visitors enjoying the sunny weather when the incident happened.

The tractor was called-in to free the motorhome after previous attempts to move the vehicle using a 4x4 failed.

It is not the first time vehicles have been caught out at the popular beach.In July 2021 a stuck 4x4 driver was said to have ignored warnings from wardens.

People at the scene said the people in the vehicle were shocked at what had happened. One said: “They realised the tide was coming in and tried to move the camper but it was stuck fast.

“Attempts were made to pull it out before the water got to it but that didn’t work. I don’t know how it never floated away before the tractor arrived and succeeded in pulling it free.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Whilst signs are in position along the beach indicating various hazards, we advise motorists accessing and parking on the beach do not leave their vehicles unattended during the incoming tide.

“The tide at Morfa Bychan ebbs a considerable distance seawards. Due to the geographical nature of the beach, the incoming tide does rise relatively rapidly along this shallow shelving beach and therefore it is always advisable to park above the high water mark and not to drive to the edge of the water. Soft sand along the beach and close to the water’s edge can cause a vehicle to become stuck.”