News

Whitesands: Pilot injured after light aircraft crashes into water

Published

8 years ago

September 4, 2018

EMERGENCY SERVICES have responded to a light aircraft which has crashed into the water at Whitesands.

Just before 1:15pm today (Sept 4) HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls reporting a light aircraft crash landed into shallow water off the Whitsands Bay area of St Davids.

A number of emergency services are on scene, including the St Davids Coastguard Rescue Team, Wales Air Ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

The plane involved in the crash is a Piper PA-28-180 Challenger. It had taken off from Withbybush Airport approximately 20 minutes before the crash. The plane had originally taken off from Bedfordshire.

The Herald understands that those at the scene were told an engine failure caused the crash landing.

Near the beach: The view from a nearby cliff (pic. ellarichardsonphotography.co.uk)

The pilot was the only occupant of the plane and has been recovered from the wreckage by the Whitesands beach lifeguards.

Pictures and footage on social media have shown members of the public rushing to the crashed plane in an attempt to help the pilot.

Plane crash: Members of the public rushed to help (pic. ellarichardsonphotography.co.uk)

Andy Carroll, Coastguard Controller, said: “The pilot sustained a head injury and is suffering from shock, he has been handed into the care of the ambulance service.”

A spokesperson for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “We were called at approximately 1.20pm today (Tuesday September 4, 2018) to an incident at Whitesands, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. We responded with one emergency ambulance and an air ambulance.”

Ian Price, owner of the St Davids B&B, told the BBC: “I arrived at the beach after the crash happened and there was a lot of emergency services there – coastguard, police, ambulance.

“I don’t know if it was just one pilot in the plane but someone was being carried out by the lifeboat.

“It’s lucky it wasn’t a week ago when the beach was much busier over school holidays. Today it’s been quite windy so there weren’t as many people around.”

Also talking to the BBC, Sophie Williams, a cafe worker at Whitesands Beach, said: “He is very lucky to be alive. If he had gone a couple of hundred yards further he would have smashed into the cliffs.

“At any other time of this summer the beach would have been packed – it’s lucky the school holidays are over and there were not more people in the water.

“The first people who got to him were two walkers. He told them he had suffered engine failure.”

RNLI lifeguard Luke Evans, 23, was first on the scene, along with colleagues Noah Harvatt, 22, and 18-year-old Mylo Houston-Sime. 20-year-old Senior Lifeguard Matty McLeod took command of communications and alerted the Coastguard.

Luke said: “I looked over and saw that the plane was only five metres from the water so it was obvious what was happening. We were the first responders and ran down to the scene with our trauma bag.

“The plane was sitting in very shallow water, and the wheel had come off, but the shell was intact. The pilot was badly shaken and had some facial and head injuries, but was still conscious and able to communicate.

“We assessed him and then were able to help him up the beach back to the lifeguard unit where we gave him oxygen and waited for the ambulance to arrive.

“The plane made quite a splash when it came down but luckily it was pretty quiet on the beach and in the water, so there were no injuries to anyone else.”

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Sam Trevor added: “The team responded very quickly, all three are experienced lifeguards but you’re never sure what to expect from an incident like this.

“Mylo was actually off-duty but they all did a really professional job – it took a bit of courage to approach that scene, but the RNLI lifeguards at Whitesands were professional as always.”

Community

Three Amigos Easter Run roars through Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts turned out in force today (Saturday, March 28) as the popular Three Amigos Easter Run returned to the roads of Pembrokeshire.

The annual ride, now a firm favourite in the local biking calendar, saw a colourful convoy of motorbikes travel through towns and countryside, drawing crowds of spectators along the route.

Riders of all ages and backgrounds took part, with everything from classic machines to modern superbikes on display. Many participants embraced the Easter theme, with bikes decorated and riders donning festive outfits, adding to the atmosphere of the day.

The event is not only a celebration of the region’s strong motorcycling community but also an opportunity to bring people together, with families lining the streets to watch the procession pass through.

Organisers said the run once again highlighted the camaraderie among bikers and the support the event receives from local communities.

One rider said: “It’s a brilliant day every year. The turnout has been fantastic, and it’s great to see so many people out supporting us.”

The Three Amigos Easter Run has grown steadily in popularity, becoming a key date in the Easter weekend calendar and a showcase for Pembrokeshire’s vibrant biking scene.

With fine weather and strong attendance, this year’s event is expected to be remembered as one of the best yet.

Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).

The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.

The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.

Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.

A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”

For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community

Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.