News

Court action follows tanker’s second accident

Published

9 years ago

May 28, 2015

AN OIL TANKER which ran aground in Milford Haven in 1996 spilling an estimated 73,000 tonnes of crude oil is at the centre of a new controversy, The Herald can reveal.

Following the disaster, the repaired vessel went through the hands of a series of owners only to be scrapped in 2012 – but whilst attempting to dock for scrapping in Bangladesh she was ruptured again, this time by a sunken vessel.

The matter has ended up at Bangladesh’s highest court, and the case is listed for a mention on Tuesday (May 12).

On the evening of 15 February 1996 the Sea Empress was entering the mouth of the Cleddau on her way into Milford Haven to deposit its oil cargo at Texaco refinery. Sailing against the outgoing tide, at 20:07HRS the ship was pushed off its course by the current, and hit rocks in the middle of the channel, which punctured her starboard hull causing oil to pour out into the bay. The total cost of the cleanup operation was approximately £60 million.

The Sea Empress, which was salvaged and repaired, was re-christened MV Sea Spirit. The ship, however, was renamed a further four times. She was later renamed MV Front Spirit, and then renamed again, being sold under the name MV Ocean Opal, to Chinese buyers. They used her as a floating storage and offloading unit from 2004.

In 2010, she was converted in Shanghai into a bulk carrier, and re-flagged as the Panamanian registered MV Welwind. In 2012, she was renamed for a fifth time; MV Wind 3.

On June 3, 2012 the 274-metre long vessel was brought to Chittagong in Bangladesh for dismantling at the Shitakunda ship breaking yard. On the way to the yard, she developed a crack in one side of its engine room following a collision with a sunken ship, Hang Ro Bong, when she was attempting to anchor at the B (Bravo) anchorage of the por t.

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) removed the vessel from the outer anchorage of Chittagong port.

Rice-laden Hang Ro Bong capsized in the Bay in a collision with another ship on April 6, 2011

Following allegation of oil spillage from the former Sea Empress vessel, a team led by the CPA Deputy Conservator Captain Najmul Alam on CPA salvage vessel Kandari-10, visited the spot.

At the time Najmul told a local newspaper in Bangladesh, The Daily Star, that they did not found any presence of oil floating on the Bay at the outer anchorage.

The private salvage company, Prantik, took responsibility to salvage the sunken ship. But now Prantik Bengal Salvage is taking legal action against the owner’s of the ship and other parties, and the case continues this week.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

2 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!