A father-of-a-RAF officer died after his son was swept into the sea at Hell’s Mouth.
According to an inquest, Sgt Stephen Hulsmeier (47) was “screaming for help” when he was pulled into the ocean with his friend’s child on August 6.
Their paddling was in shallow water, when they were struck by Hell’s Mouth at Porth Neigwl in North Wales. Watersports enthusiasts love this stretch for the massive waves.
Christopher Brown, Christopher Brown’s best friend, looked out 130ft from the beach to view Steve and the 12-year old girl.
Brown stated that the couple looked terrified as Brown swam toward them, while they were struggling to breathe in deep water.
He stated that he could not reach the bottom, and that it was very difficult to swim in the waves.
Before he saved Steve, Mr Brown was able throw the girl to another swimmer.
He replied, “There was very little mercy of the sea. I could see him going under the waters. He was crying for help, screaming in pain.
Sgt Stephen Hulsmeier, 47, was on a family holiday in North Wales when the disaster struck
He was shallow-water when the incident occurred at Hell’s Mouth, Porth Neigwl (North Wales).
“I was able to convince him to keep my ankle steady for 20 seconds, but we both were driven under relentless waves that drove us apart. When I finally surfaced, he was still some distance away.”
Caernarfon’s inquest heard that exhausted Mr Brown went back to the sand, while rescuers pulled Steve out of the water.
Paramedics, police and coastguard team members joined the rescue effort to save Steve. Steve had been with the RAF for over 23 years.
The father-of-one was declared dead by his family on August 6, 2013.
Steve, an aircraft engineer and also known as Hulzi was currently on holiday with Becky, their teenager son, and two other families.
Becky stated that Becky was at the beach a few times and that no lifeguards had ever been present.
Surfers and kayakers love Hell’s Mouth for the huge waves it offers
“It is my belief, that if there had been lifeguards and clearer signs this might have prevented my husband’s death.”
According to the inquest, Gwynedd Council manages the beach and says that periodic risk assessments are performed.
A warden did not have to be assigned to this beach that day, as it was not one of those tourist areas with blue flags.
Dr Muhammad Aslam’s postmortem revealed that drowning is the reason for death.
Sarah Riley, assistant coroner, recorded a misadventure conclusion.
A Gwynedd council spokesperson said that after his passing, the council extended its deepest sympathy to the family.
There are warning signs that warn of specific dangers at the location, such as strong currents or large breaking waves. Signage also warns that the beach cannot be supervised.
“We encourage all public members to be aware of these hazards and be careful to look out for specific instructions, guidance, and warning signs.”