News

Miraculous: How most walked away from this doomed flight from Cardiff

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2024

IN the shadowy and tumultuous skies over Spain, a narrative of dread and extraordinary survival unfolded as Britannia Airways Flight 226A, making its journey from Cardiff-Wales Airport to Gerona-Costa Brava Airport, faced an ordeal that tested the resolve of those on board, leading to an outcome where the vast majority emerged unscathed. This episode, occurring 24 years prior, stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the utmost importance of aviation safety.

The aircraft, a Boeing 757-204 bearing the registration G-BYAG, confronted adverse weather right from the start. Departing from Cardiff at 20:40 local time, neither the crew nor the passengers could have anticipated that their flight towards Gerona would test their endurance to such an extent. As they neared their destination, a looming thunderstorm set the stage for a challenging approach, culminating in a critical decision-making moment with lasting implications.

The narrative reaches its apex as the crew, navigating through darkness and torrential rain, chose a VOR/DME approach to runway 02, contending with a wet runway, downslope, and tailwind. A sudden alteration in wind direction necessitated a switch to an ILS approach to runway 20, placing the aircraft in peril. In the final moments before landing, a series of technical mishaps and human errors, compounded by the severe weather, led to a disastrous runway excursion.

The aircraft’s impact was catastrophic, leading to its destruction. Yet, in the wake of devastation, an extraordinary outcome was revealed: of the 236 passengers and nine crew members aboard, only two sustained serious injuries, while 41 incurred minor injuries. Tragically, one passenger later died due to undiagnosed internal injuries, casting a shadow over an otherwise miraculous tale of survival.

Subsequent inquiries unveiled multiple contributing factors to the accident, including the destabilisation of the approach, loss of external visual references, and an uncommanded increase in forward thrust. These revelations underscore the necessity for stringent flight crew training and thorough weather condition assessments, serving as crucial lessons for the future of aviation safety.

As we remember those who survived and ponder the events of that September night, the ordeal of Flight 226A is a testament to human resilience and the paramount importance of advancing aviation safety standards.

It serves as a poignant reminder of the slender margin between tragedy and miracle, and the indomitable spirit that prevails in the face of adversity.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

News

Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.

Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.

A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.

When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.

The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.

More to follow.