News
Emergency services responding to fire on Stena Europe ferry at Fishguard Harbour
A MULTI AGENCY response has been mounted following the break out of a fire on a passenger ferry off the coast of Pembrokeshire this Saturday evening (Feb 11).
Early reports suggest that there was a serious blaze in the engine room of the Stena Europe vessel off Strumble Head.
The crippled 150m ferry was then aided into Fishguard Harbour by two tug boats.
The alarm was raised just after 9pm.
A Sikorsky S-92A coastguard rescue helicopter was scrambled from The Lake District, and spent a considerable time hovering over the vessel as it was brought into port.
By 23:40 it was returning to base.
RNLI lifeboats from St Davids and New Quay were launched to the emergency.
Twenty emergency vehicles, including fire tenders and ambulances were counted at the scene by around 11pm.
The Wales Air Ambulance also scrambled a helicopter to the scene, although there are no confirmed reports of any injuries.
At 23:51 firefighters were seen, from the quayside, spraying water down one of the funnels of the ferry as ambulances stood by.
Passengers were told to be prepared to man the lifeboats, and were mustered with life jackets ready, but the ferry, which was built in 1980 to carry 1500 passengers, managed to get to the port before this became necessary.
On Facebook passenger Stephen Kearney put up a public post saying: “Well the fire onboard the Stenaline Rosslare to Fishguard Ferry is now out.
“Useful to be a sailor in evacuation prep with the crew. Serious fire is now extinguished. Phew! I put the bottle of whiskey back that I’d grabbed for a night in the lifeboat!”
MORE TO FOLLOW
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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