News

MP calls for action after Welsh sailor detained by Israel

Published

2 months ago

October 2, 2025

Ceredigion Preseli constituent among hundreds detained as Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla

PLAID CYMRU MP Ben Lake has urged the UK Government to act swiftly after a Welsh woman was detained by Israeli forces during the interception of a flotilla bound for Gaza.

Hannah Schafer, from Cardigan, was among an estimated 500 activists and aid workers on board the convoy, which campaigners say carried humanitarian supplies intended for Palestinians. Ms Schafer is believed to be the only person from Wales aboard the mission, which included participants from more than 40 countries.

Largest humanitarian flotilla yet

The flotilla, which organisers say consisted of more than 50 vessels, is believed to be the largest mission of its kind to attempt to break the long-standing sea blockade on Gaza. According to reports, Israeli naval forces intercepted the convoy around 70 nautical miles from the territory, well beyond Israel’s territorial waters.

While Israel has consistently patrolled the waters around Gaza since the blockade began in 2007, legal experts argue it has no jurisdiction in international waters. UN officials have repeatedly said that aid flotillas enjoy the right of free passage under international law.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reiterated that call this week, urging Israel to “urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.”

***The Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail from Barcelona towards Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on August 31, 2025.***

Letter to the Foreign Secretary

Mr Lake, who is Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, has written to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for urgent diplomatic intervention. In his letter, he described the incident as a “flagrant breach of international law” and raised concerns about the wellbeing of UK nationals, including his constituent.

***Concerned: Ben Lake MP is concerned for the safety of Hannah Schafer, from Cardigan***

He wrote: “Her family and friends are deeply concerned about her wellbeing, and I implore you to make representations to your Israeli counterparts regarding this flagrant breach of international law.”

Mr Lake also questioned Israeli claims that those detained were “safe and in good health,” citing reports of water cannon being used during the interception.

Israel’s position

The Israeli Government has long argued that its blockade of Gaza is necessary to prevent weapons and military equipment from reaching Hamas. Officials maintain that the naval cordon is a matter of national security, claiming that militant groups have repeatedly attempted to smuggle arms by sea.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said: “We will not allow unauthorised vessels to breach the maritime security zone off Gaza. Any ship attempting to enter without permission will be stopped and redirected.”

However, human rights groups dispute this justification, pointing to the humanitarian cost of the blockade, which has been in place for more than 17 years.

A history of confrontation

This is not the first time flotillas have been intercepted in their attempt to reach Gaza. In 2010, a Turkish-led mission known as the Mavi Marmara was raided by Israeli commandos, leading to the deaths of 10 activists and sparking international outrage. That incident brought global attention to the blockade and fuelled calls for its end.

Since then, several smaller flotillas have set sail, but few have reached Gaza, with most diverted or stopped by Israeli forces before entering the territory.

Calls for accountability

Campaign groups in the UK have echoed Mr Lake’s concerns, saying the flotilla sought to highlight what they describe as a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Aid agencies estimate that more than two million people in the territory are living under severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

A spokesperson for the Free Gaza Movement, which helped coordinate the convoy, said: “These boats carried nothing but humanitarian supplies and people of conscience from across the world. The international community must hold Israel accountable for obstructing life-saving aid.”

UK Government response awaited

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed it is in contact with Israeli authorities and is seeking urgent clarification on the number of UK nationals detained.

Ms Cooper has not yet issued a public statement, but sources within the FCDO said officials were “monitoring the situation closely.”

For Hannah Schafer’s family and friends in Cardigan, the wait for news continues. One close friend told The Herald: “Hannah went because she believes ordinary people can make a difference. We just want her home safe.”

Business

Festive fun as Milford Haven Christmas market returns to the waterfront

Published

4 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Traders, lights and family entertainment to kick off Pembrokeshire’s Christmas season

THE FESTIVE spirit is coming to life in Milford Haven with markets, lights and family fun as the town gears up for a packed Christmas programme along the waterfront.

Milford Waterfront is preparing for a busy season of events, starting with an indoor Christmas market in the Link Building from November 21 to 23, featuring handcrafted local gifts and festive treats.

Lucy Wonnacott, head of communications and marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Every year the berth holder community, Milford Waterfront businesses and residents all get involved in making the whole place sparkle, so we encourage people to come and see their efforts and enjoy the lights, soak up the festive cheer, and visit the amazing businesses around Milford Waterfront.

“We’re delighted to host so many activities this festive season to support the independent business community here. There will definitely be something for everyone, and new to Milford Waterfront this year, the indoor Ice Rink at Sybil House will be very special – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone getting their skates on.”

The festive programme includes Santa by the Sea on December 6, when Father Christmas will arrive by RNLI lifeboat before heading to Milford Haven Town Hall for the town’s official Christmas lights switch-on.

The event, running from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, will feature live music, entertainment, face-painting and family activities.

Young artists aged three to twelve can take part in print-your-own Christmas card workshops at the Waterfront Gallery on November 22, 29 and 30. The sessions are free but must be booked in advance by calling 07949 763100.

From December 12 to 14, visitors can enjoy an indoor ice-skating experience at Sybil House, next to Phoenix Bowl. The synthetic rink will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and is suitable for all ages.

The festive fun continues with Pure West Radio’s Purely Magical Christmas Grotto in the Link Building on December 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets must be booked in advance and include a visit with Santa and his elves, professional photography, chocolate gifts and more.

Throughout December, the waterfront will be illuminated by the annual Christmas Lights Competition, organised by Milford Waterfront, Milford Marina and Visit Milford Haven. The contest features decorated shopfronts, balconies and boats, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the area.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of the season by staying overnight at the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, overlooking the marina, to enjoy the full Christmas experience.

More information about this year’s programme of events is available on the Milford Waterfront website.

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

6 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Entertainment

Local premiere for S4C documentary on Pembrokeshire’s ‘Cannabis Cove’

Published

7 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Exclusive screening revisits one of Wales’ most remarkable police operations

A TWO-PART documentary exploring a major drugs bust that stunned a quiet Pembrokeshire seaside town will have its exclusive English-language premiere in Newport next week.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay, produced for S4C, takes viewers back to 1983, when the peace of Newport was shattered by one of the most extraordinary police investigations in Welsh criminal history.

That summer, the town became the unlikely centre of an international smuggling ring after a local fisherman, Andy Burgess, spotted something unusual at a remote beach called Pwll Coch—known locally as Seal Bay.

Soon after, authorities discovered a concealed hatch on nearby Traeth Cell Hywel. Beneath it lay a man-made underground chamber stocked with food, radio equipment and fibreglass resin — “like something straight out of James Bond.”

The mystery unfolds

As detectives began to investigate, residents reported strange activity around Newport — unfamiliar luxury cars on rural lanes, and strangers flashing £50 notes in local pubs.

What followed was a sprawling investigation that reached from Pembrokeshire to Scandinavia and the Middle East. Within days, three men — Robin Boswell, Ken Dewar, and escaped drug trafficker Sam Spanggaard — were arrested.

However, the case soon hit a snag: the drugs had disappeared. Without the contraband, the entire prosecution risked collapse. Detectives began to suspect there was a local connection — someone who knew the coastline well.

Forty years on

More than four decades later, S4C’s new documentary returns to the mystery with rare interviews, archive footage, and dramatic re-enactments.

For the first time, it includes testimony from a local man — known only as “Jim” — whose words are voiced by an actor to protect his identity. “Jim,” who once modified cars for Boswell, became unwittingly entangled in a smuggling network stretching from Pembrokeshire to Morocco and beyond.

The two episodes retrace both the discovery of the secret underground chamber and the international scope of the operation that followed.

Local resident Wendy Phillips recalled: “Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew each other’s business — that’s just how you were brought up.”

Screening in Newport

The pre-broadcast English-language screening of Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20, at Canolfan Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with retired detectives Don Evans and John Daniels, who worked on the original case, alongside the film’s director James Hale.

Entry is free, but donations will be taken on the door to support Canolfan Bethlehem.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay airs on S4C later this month.