A 90-tonne excavator was put out of action when it was swamped by the tide.
The £500,000 excavator – used for coastal defense work – became stuck on the beach due to a mechanical failure.
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Efforts began to repair the giant excavator before the tide came in.
But when workers realized they wouldn’t be able to repair it in time, they switched their efforts to trying to stop the fuel from leaking into the water.
The cabin of the mechanical excavator was then submerged when sea levels rose in Aberaeron, Ceredigion.
It was later recovered, but extensive work is required to repair it.
One witness said: “My guess is it will need to be fixed on site.
“There was special transport to get there, so it cannot be easily transported.
“The engine will need to be disassembled and the electrical will need to be replaced due to salt water damage.”
The excavator was being used to help build the city’s £32 million inner harbor flood defenses.
The project, which began in November 2023, involves the creation of a rock breakwater and flood walls, as well as the reconstruction of a pier head.
Despite the diggers’ calamity, the scheme is said to be progressing well.
Cllr Elizabeth Evans said: “It’s going really well. The weather is horrible, high tides are coming, but everyone is in great spirits.”
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