Horton Port Eynon lifeboat crew rescue stranded walkers on Worms Head  Rhossili

Shortly after 13:30, the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat was launched following a report received from the National Coastguard Institution and the Coastguards of two people cut off by the incoming tide.

The sea was choppy and despite this, the boat made good time to Worms Head. The crew quickly located the male walkers who were visiting the area for the weekend.

The walkers, believed to be students at Bristol University, were taken on board the lifeboat back to Rhossili, where they were taken to safety. The duo had told the volunteer crew of Stuart Payne, Abi Penny, and David Frend that they had misjudged the tide.  

Lawrie Grove, the Lifeboat Operations Manager for the Horton and Port Eynon Station  said: 

“I would remind people when walking on or near the coast to make sure that they check local tide times and plan walks accordingly.

“They should never try to swim or wade to shore when cut off by the tide, as it is extremely dangerous. The causeway at  Rhossili that leads to Worms Head is usually open 2 ½ hours either side of low tide, with the times displayed near the causeway.

“You should take a means of communication with you and,  if you find yourself in difficulty or see someone in difficulty on or near the coast, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

#HortonPortEnynonLifeboat #Rhossili #RNLI #RNLILifeboat #WormsHead

Horton and Port Eynon Crew members receive prestigious awards

The lifeboat had been tasked to go to the aid of seven casualties cut off by the tide at Worms Head Rhossili. The lifeboat had to contend with a very strong swell and high wave conditions in going to Worms Head where the 7 students had been cut off by the rising tide. 

The students had made an initial attempt to cross the water and had turned back. The lifeboat crew assessed the conditions and made and executed a plan to take the students back to the mainland two at a time. The series of transfers was completed successfully and is an example of the excellent seamanship of the crew. 

The Commendation also recorded that “Throughout the service, you demonstrated excellent courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Your ongoing determination and commitment to saving lives at sea are greatly appreciated.” 

The letters of Commendation were presented to the crew by the President of the Station, Sir Bob Hastie. 

Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat  Operations Manager of the lifeboat station,  said:

“The presentation had been kept under wraps and was a complete surprise to the three of them. The rescue was a difficult and challenging one where they needed all of their skills and training.

“We are extremely proud of them. It is a measure of their down-to-earth nature and humility that the crew were  keen to stress that they are part of a team at the station and could not do their job without the support and hard  work of everyone at the station.”

[Lead image RNLI Lifeboats]

#Horton #PortEynon #Rhossili #RNLILifeboat #WormsHead

Worms Head Hotel thanks public for ‘outpouring of emotion’ as fire service confirms blaze was accidental

The owners of the Worms Head Hotel in Rhossili have thanked the public for their “outpouring of emotion” following the fire that severely damaged the building in the early hours of Sunday 14 July.

In a heartfelt update shared on social media, the Short family said they had been “overwhelmed” by the support shown across all platforms, and confirmed they had launched a GoFundMe campaign for those who wish to help the hotel recover.

“We know Rhossili and the hotel have played a part in people’s lives and hold hugely special memories for all,” they wrote. “We intend to raise it from the ashes so it can continue to make memories for you for many years to come.”

The fire, which broke out just before 1am, spread rapidly through the hotel’s accommodation block and destroyed the entire roof space. Crews from six fire stations responded, using water jets, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging equipment to contain the blaze. No casualties were reported, and all occupants were safely accounted for.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now confirmed the cause of the fire was accidental, following an investigation.

The hotel, which dates back to the 1800s, has long been a fixture of the Rhossili community and a popular destination for visitors to the Gower Peninsula. In a previous statement, the owners described the fire as “soul-destroying,” saying:

“It is particularly heartbreaking for me and my family to see 25 years of hard work destroyed in less than 30 minutes.”

The newly launched GoFundMe page, organised by Vanessa Short, aims to help cover emergency living expenses for staff, structural repairs, and the replacement of essential equipment. Insurance is expected to cover only a fraction of the rebuild costs.

The fire has also led to a temporary road closure near the hotel, with Swansea Council confirming that the unnamed road fronting the hotel and National Trust car park will remain closed for up to 21 days for public safety.

Local businesses and residents have rallied around the hotel, sharing memories and messages of support online. Neighbouring venue The View Rhossili described the fire as “heartbreaking,” adding:

“Let’s take care of our neighbours.”

You can donate to the fundraiser at: gofundme.com/f/help-worms-head-family-rebuild-after-devastating-fire

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Fire severely damages Worms Head Hotel in Rhossili overnight
Published 14 July 2025: Crews from six stations respond to blaze that destroyed roof and accommodation block.

Fundraiser launched to help rebuild historic Worms Head Hotel after devastating fire
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#fire #Gower #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #WormsHead #WormsHeadHotel

Fire severely damages Worm’s Head Hotel in Rhossili overnight

A major fire has caused extensive damage to the Worm’s Head Hotel in Rhossili, one of Gower’s most iconic hospitality venues, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 12.51am on Monday 14 July, with fire crews from Reynoldston, Swansea West, Port Talbot, Morriston, Swansea Central and Gorseinon responding to the blaze. The fire broke out in the hotel’s accommodation block and quickly spread to the entire roof space.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters used a turntable ladder appliance as a water tower, a water bowser, two water jets, one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus sets to tackle the flames. The fire was brought under control by 5.30am, with crews remaining on site until 9.32am to dampen down and monitor for hotspots using thermal imaging equipment.

No injuries were reported and all guests and staff were safely accounted for.

Significant damage to landmark hotel

The Worm’s Head Hotel, a family-run business with panoramic views of Rhossili Bay and the Worm’s Head, has been a popular destination for visitors to the Gower Peninsula for decades. The fire has caused significant structural damage, with eyewitnesses reporting that the top floor of the accommodation block was completely destroyed and parts of the ground floor also affected.

South Wales Police attended the scene and confirmed that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. A spokesperson said:

“Officers were called to the Worm’s Head Hotel, Rhossili, Swansea at 1:30am today (Monday July 14) following a report of a fire.

The Fire Service extinguished the fire, which caused significant damage to the building.

All guests and staff have been accounted for and there were no injuries.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated but at this time is not thought to have been deliberate.”

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Community reaction

Local residents and businesses have expressed shock and sadness at the loss of a much-loved venue. Nearby café The View Rhossili issued a statement on social media:

“Heartbreaking scenes from Rhossili this morning following the devastating fire at the Worm’s Head Hotel last night—a place so deeply rooted in our community.

Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of this beloved family business during this incredibly difficult time.”

The café confirmed it would open slightly later than usual on Monday, adding: “Please be kind to one another today. Let’s take care of our neighbours.”

The Worm’s Head Hotel is located near the B4247 in Rhossili, opposite the National Trust Rhossili Bay Car Park. The site is known for its dramatic cliffside views and proximity to one of Wales’ most photographed coastal landmarks.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

#fire #Gower #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #WormsHead #WormsHeadHotel

Police issue snake warning for Gower dog walkers

Police have issued advice for dog walkers if their pet has been bitten by an adder, and urged owners to keep their dog on a lead at all times – particularly on the sand dunes of Port Eynon and near Worms Head in Rhosilli on Gower.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police’s Gower Neighbourhood Policing Team, who cover wildlife and rural crime, said: “Please be advised that we have received several reports regarding increased sightings of adders in Port Eynon (sand dunes) and near NCI Worm’s Head, Rhosilli. Please do the right thing and keep your dogs on leads at all times.

“Adders are the only venomous snakes in the UK and are generally active from early spring to October when they aren’t hibernating. They often live in sand dunes, hillsides, moors and woodlands and are more likely to bite dogs between April and July, especially in the late afternoon.

“If you suspect an adder has bitten your dog, immediately check for two small puncture marks, swelling or redness in the area – these are common signs of adder bites. It is important to keep your dog calm and still to prevent the venom spreading and seek veterinary advice ASAP.”

#adder #Dogs #Gower #PortEynon #RhossiliBay #snakeBite #snakes #SouthWalesPolice #WormsHead

American students rescued after becoming stranded on Gower tidal island

The volunteer lifeboat crew from Horton and Port Eynon RNLI launched their lifeboat on Saturday (25 January) and had to make four separate trips between Worms Head and the mainland due of the number of people and rough sea conditions.

The five women and two men, who were students at Swansea University from the United States were said to be were extremely grateful to the crew and declared they could not believe that all the crew were unpaid volunteers. 

Lifeboat crew member Jon Tarrant said: “This was a challenging rescue. The swell was up to 2m and the rise and fall of the water presented difficulties in picking up the people and also returning them to shore at Rhossili. It was also a rough passage to and from Horton to Worms Head.”

Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat Station said: “I would remind people when walking on or near the coast to make sure that they check local tide times and plan walks accordingly.

“Never try to to swim or wade to shore when cut off by the tide, it is extremely dangerous. The causeway at Rhossili that leads to Worms Head is usually open 2 ½ hours either side of low tide and the times it is open are displayed near to the causeway.

“Sometimes the causeway will close earlier when high winds accelerate the incoming tide. You should take a means of communication with you and, if you find yourself in difficulty or see someone in difficulty on or near the coast, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

(Lead image: RNLI)

#Gower #Lifeboat #rescue #RNLI #Swansea #WormsHead

Took a trip to #Gŵyr / #Gower today to see the #Sunflowers. Not the greatest weather for photos, but #Rhossili and #WormsHead are always stunning.

#Cymru #Wales #Landscape #Seascape