News
Missing photographer Chris Ellery safe in Ireland after two-day ordeal
A KEEN photographer from Bristol, Chris Ellery, has made a miraculous landing in Ireland after his small boat broke down in the Irish Sea, sparking a two-day search effort along the Pembrokeshire coastline.
The 54-year-old set off from Fishguard on Thursday (Oct 31) on a solo outing, expecting a brief return journey. When he failed to arrive back as scheduled, family members and authorities were alerted, leading to a large-scale, multi-agency search across the waters and shores of Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay.
Breakdown in the Irish Sea
According to HM Coastguard, Mr. Ellery ran into engine trouble while heading west towards Ireland. The three-metre (10ft) black inflatable boat suffered a breakdown mid-journey; although he managed to restart the engine, his phone had also stopped working, cutting off any chance of communication. Stranded and without a working phone, Chris continued his journey until he eventually came ashore on Saturday in County Wicklow.
After making landfall, he walked to the nearest police station, where he was able to contact authorities. The Gardaí confirmed he was “tired but okay,” ending days of intense worry for his family and friends.
Chris’s family had travelled to Fishguard after losing contact with him and grew increasingly concerned. His daughter, Kenzie Ellery, issued a heartfelt appeal on social media, urging anyone with information to come forward. On Saturday afternoon, she shared a joyful update: “MY DAD IS ALIVE HE HAS BEEN FOUND IN IRELAND,” bringing much relief to all those involved in the search.
Two-day search operation
HM Coastguard resumed its search efforts early on Saturday, deploying aircraft, RNLI boat crews, and Coastguard teams across North Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay, and St Brides Bay. Dyfed-Powys Police had joined the search as well, after the Coastguard retrieved some of Mr. Ellery’s personal items on a remote cove earlier in the operation.
A Coastguard spokesperson commented, “He came ashore in County Wicklow and made his way to a local police station. They contacted Dyfed-Powys Police. It’s good news.”
The family has expressed their gratitude for the extensive support received from search teams and the local community. The remarkable journey, from the initial breakdown at sea to reaching safety on Irish shores, has brought relief and closure to what could have been a tragic outcome.
St Davids RNLI said their crew were part of the major multi agency search operation
St Davids RNLI said: “Volunteers on both our all-weather and inshore lifeboats were delighted to receive freshly cooked bacon, sausage and egg sandwiches from our own crew member Judd and his FPV Rhodri Morgan crew.
“This was a very welcome boost for morale during the intensive search.”
Fishguard RNLI confirmed: “Our volunteer crew were paged to launch both lifeboats on Friday to assist with the search for a missing person.
“Both lifeboats were again out on the water this morning conducting a further search of the coastline.
“[On Saturday] there was good news that the individual had been located in Ireland, and so a positive outcome to the search over the last few days.
“Eight lifeboats across five stations played their part in searching the Welsh coast from Skomer Island up to Mwnt and out into Cardigan Bay along with Coastguard volunteers and aircraft crew.”
Daughter Kenzie Ellery took to social media on Saturday afternoon, saying: “I just want to say thank you for all the amazing support from everyone.
“The details are still vague but we will be able to answer questions in time, the important part is dad is alive, safe and well!
“It’s been great how social media can bring people together positively and see communities come together to help.
“Thank you to everyone involved.”
News
Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash
THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”
Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.
Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.
Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.
“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.
“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.
“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”
Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.
“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”
Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.
Community
Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange
RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.
The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.
Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”
The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.
Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”
The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”
Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.
Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.
News
Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477
A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).
Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.
Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.
-
Crime2 days ago
Pembroke man faces rape and sexual assault charges
-
Community4 days ago
Special guests for Torch showing of ‘Attack on Sorpe Dam’
-
Community1 day ago
Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!
-
News1 day ago
A tribute to Honey Arteya Foxx French, written by her family
-
Top News3 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s ‘coal king’ lifts one of world’s oldest 127 kg lifting stones
-
News3 days ago
Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby
-
Crime6 days ago
Man jailed for growing £500,000 worth of drugs in Pembroke
-
News3 days ago
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death