News
Yacht skipper rescued in the North Atlantic by Milford-bound LNG tanker crew
A MILFORD HAVEN-bound LNG tanker changed course to save the life of a skipper of a yacht who had run in to trouble on a voyage near Bermuda.
The 31-foot sloop left Bermuda with one person onboard, however during the journey he was “unable to start the engine or sail in the prevailing light winds, and he made the decision to abandon the yacht.”
The LNG tanker Torben Spirit, which arrived in Milford Haven on Christmas Eve, diverted to assist him, and the ship’s captain brought the sailor back to the island, with officials noting that “the yacht skipper was grateful to be back on dry land.”
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “Wednesday 16th December, 11:45 am – RCC Bermuda received a 406 MHz PLB alert from a U.S. registered beacon originating from a position approximately 250 miles south east of Bermuda.
“The beacon was unregistered however, it was known to be generated from the Bermuda registered 31 ft sloop Mujan which left Bermuda on Friday 11th December bound for St Kitts with one person onboard.
“On departure, Mujan had filed a float plan with Bermuda Radio and details of this beacon had been recorded. The United States Coast Guard also received the distress alerts and in consultation with RCC Bermuda, launched a C-130 aircraft from Elizabeth City, NJ to search the area. The merchant vessel LNG tanker Torben Spirit was diverted to assist.
“At 3:45pm that afternoon both the merchant vessel and US SAR aircraft were on scene and in communication with Mujan, the skipper was unable to start the engine or sail in the prevailing light winds, and he made the decision to abandon the yacht and board the tanker, this was done using the yachts tender.
“Once safely onboard the Torben Spirit, the ship’s Captain kindly arranged to divert from the planned passage to Milford Haven in the UK and take the stricken sailor back home to Bermuda.
“At 7:00 am on Thursday morning. the transfer was made to the Pilot/Rescue Boat St George and the yacht skipper was grateful to be back in Bermuda. The yacht was unfortunately left a drift and RCC Bermuda has issued a navigation warning regarding the floating hazard.”
The vessel TORBEN SPIRIT was built in 2017 and is currently sailing under the flag of Bahamas.
Charity
New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat rescues stranded 26ft yacht
NEW QUAY RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on service at 08:32 this morning to assist a 26ft yacht in difficulty a quarter of a mile from New Quay harbour.
Launching with four volunteer crew members, the D-class lifeboat, the Will Morgan, quickly located the vessel, with one person on board.
Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI’s helm said, “The yacht had lost all means of propulsion, both sail and engine, and was unable to recover a fouled anchor.
“Having assessed the situation we decided that the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow to New Quay harbour. We placed two members of our crew on board, disconnected the anchor chain and began the tow.
“Having safely berthed the yacht alongside the harbour wall, we returned to station just after 09:30.”
Entertainment
Classic car extravaganza returns to Carew Castle this Bank Holiday
ONE of the highlights of the Pembrokeshire calendar is set to return this Bank Holiday, as Carew Castle prepares to host some of the finest classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles from across South Wales.
The Carew Castle Car Show will take place on Monday 6 May, with plenty of entertainment for all the family, including music throughout the day by local folk band ‘Razor Bill’, and a variety of vintage funfair rides and games from Pembrokeshire Attractions.
For an extra cost of £2, younger visitors will also be able to take part in a Brilliant Birds Trail around the Castle
Manager of Carew Castle, Daisy Hughes, said: “We’re delighted to host the ever-popular Car Show at Carew for another year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts and families alike to admire the beauty of classic and vintage vehicles in an equally impressive vintage setting.
“There is no need to book tickets in advance – just turn up on the day to make the most of this fantastic event.”
Nest Tearoom will be open from 10am onwards to serve bacon rolls and hot drinks, with the usual mouth-watering selection of homemade lunches and cakes available throughout the rest of the day. Visitors are welcome to explore the majestic Castle and Tidal Mill during their visit, to find out more about the events and colourful characters that shaped this site’s fascinating history.
While the car show itself is currently at capacity and no longer accepting new entries, anyone interested in securing a spot for their vehicle on the reserve list are encouraged to register their interest by following the link at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/spring-events.
Carew Castle Car Show will take place from 10am-3pm with the Castle open from 10am-4.30pm. Normal admission charges apply: Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children £6 and a Family Ticket (two adults and two children) £25.
Please note the event may not take place in the event of bad weather. For more information visit www.carewcastle.com or follow Carew Castle’s Facebook page (Carew Castle and Tidal Mill) for event updates.
To learn about other events that are taking place in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this Bank Holiday and throughout the rest of the year, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.com/events.
Crime
Plea hearing for man accused of assault and strangulation
A HAVERFORDWEST man is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, April 26) charged with assaulting and strangling a woman
Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with two offences last month, and is in Swansea Crown Court today to make his plea, after the local court declined jurisdiction.
Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23 and caused her actual bodily harm.
He is also accused of strangling her.
The case came before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 25 and Torkington has been remanded in custody since then.
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