THE Great Storm of 1859 has returned to Wales through augmented-reality technology.

In celebration of Visit Wales's Year of the Sea, Cadw has launched a new digital experience that will allow users to re-live one of the worst storms in history, described as both "magnificent" and "deadly".

Rhyl is included in the virtual story.

Through visual and audio storytelling, app users can gain an insight into the struggles faced by the Rhyl Lifeboat team who managed to rescue six crew members from the destroyed schooner, Oriental.

The infamous storm took place over the night of 25-26 October 1859.

A spokesperson for Cadw, Welsh Government's historic environment service, said: "The launch coincides with the 159th anniversary of the Great Storm, which overnight, wrought devastation across Wales, causing serious repercussions for many Welsh coastal communities.

"With details on everything from the storm’s catastrophic shipwrecks to its shocking coastal ruins, the new app update will provide users with audio-visual ‘on-the-spot’ reports of what happened that night, including a virtual re-creation of the storm - which is known as Wales’s worst - ever maritime tragedy."

Users can view tales from 13 different locations across the country, including Holyhead, Aberystwyth, Aberporth, New Quay, Cwm y Eglwys, Porthgain, Little Haven, Tenby, Rhyl, Barry Island and three separate locations in Moelfre.

Each location represents a different tragedy or heroic story, including that of the now-famous Royal Charter - a vessel which was destroyed off the coast of Anglesey.

As dawn broke on Friday, October 26 1859, the passenger steam clipper built in 1855 was ruined on its return to Britain from Australia.

Residents of Moelfre, Anglesey, watched in horror as 450 lives were lost to the dastardly waves — accounting for more than half of the Storm’s total victims.

Each account was sourced from national archives, ships' registers and witness statement along with news reports.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and other authorities have also been consulted.

Lord Elis-Thomas, minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: "This innovative digital experience is yet another example of how Cadw is successfully using cutting-edge technology to make Welsh heritage easier to access, digest and enjoy."

The app’s ‘live’ reports are delivered by a Victorian news anchor, Joseph Potter, via ‘Potter’s Electric News Telectroscope Service’ - a modern take on the late Haverfordwest local newspaper, ‘Potters Electric News’.

Download the Cadw app onto a smart device and select the 'Great Storm' package located within the Digital Tours section.