Lifting gear brought in as 'last resort' to free girl trapped on North Wales beach as tide comes in

A massive rescue operation was launched when a young girl became trapped in rocks on a Gwynedd beach. Emergency teams raced against time to free the child as the tide began to come in.

Local contractors brought in specialist heavy-lifting machinery and these were put on standby at Tywyn beach as a last-ditch option. The little girl had been playing on rock armour – installed to protect the resort from sea flooding – when she became stuck.

Aberdovey Coastguard Rescue Team was called to the schene at 3.19pm on Sunday, April 21. With the high tide due at 8.31pm, time was against them.

READ MORE: New tourism attraction for North Wales secures go ahead

READ MORE: Planners' verdict on build plots in village so beautiful that almost no one local can buy a home

A Mid and North Wales Coastguard officer coordinated the rescue. Also attending the incident were Barmouth Coastguard Rescue, Tywyn Fire Station, North Wales Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, Gwynedd Maritime Service and Wales Air Ambulance.

It is understood the girl was playing under the rocks when she became trapped. Writing on social media, a coastguard rescue officer said: “The lifting equipment wasn’t required in the end.

“It was a last resort as moving those rocks, some approx 3 tonnes, could cause other problems. The main concern was the incoming tide.”

A Coastguard spokesperson said it had been a “complex rescue” that took around three hours. They added: “A very delicate operation with the tide not on our side. However, teamwork prevailed and the rescue proved successful and the child was recovered safe and well.

“Please remember. As much as rock climbing can be fun, they are fraught with danger. Please take care.” The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up

Onlookers watching the rescue said it was a “nervy” experience for all concerned. “I saw the parents,” said one man. “They looked pretty shaken up. Actually, they looked quite devastated seeing their little girl trapped.”

Another man couldn’t bear to watch. “It brought back when I was younger and got stuck climbing a rock at Porthmadog,” he said.

There was widespread praise for the “heroes” involved in the operation – and relief at the outcome. “Could not be happier that she is OK, and that her parents get to cuddle her tonight,” said one woman.

“The best outcome. Every single person involved should be proud of themselves. Amazing team effort, we are lucky to have you all.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Signs on the rocks warn of the potential dangers but in the wake of yesterday’s incident, there have been calls for these to be made more prominent. Aberdovey Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Please remember. As much as rock climbing can be fun, they are fraught with danger. Please take care.”

Earlier this month, Aberdovey Coastguard Rescue Team was called to Tywyn beach following reports that old ordnance had been found. Coastguard officers on this stretch of the coast are periodically alerted to unexploded munitions and sometimes must call in the bomb squad to carry out controlled explosions, as happened recently at Ynylas between Aberdyfi and Borth - there’s more on this here.

On this occasion, the Tywyn call-out proved to be a false alert. “On investigation, the item was identified as an old anchor,” said the team.

Find out what's going on near you