A dramatic turn of events has seen the survey vessel KMS Terramare redirected to Broad Haven, where it is set to be intentionally beached this morning (Jan 15) on the outgoing tide. Pollution experts are on alert as concerns mount over potential environmental risks.

The vessel, which was stranded at Newgale Beach on Tuesday (Jan 14), was successfully refloated last night and towed west of Skomer Island. However, its attempt to enter the Port of Milford Haven was reportedly denied, forcing it to return towards Broad Haven.

Vodafone connection

It has emerged that the KMS Terramare was conducting operations on behalf of Vodafone, reportedly surveying subsea cables to connect high-speed fibre optic services from Ireland to Brawdy Business Park. While Vodafone confirmed the vessel was managed by a licensed subcontractor, the company declined to provide further details, citing “commercial sensitivity.”

A spokesperson for Vodafone commented: “We can confirm that a licensed subsea cable survey ship being managed by a subcontractor experienced some technical difficulties when seeking to leave Newgale beach in Pembrokeshire at high tide yesterday. We expect the issue to be resolved soon.”

Timeline of events

The vessel’s troubles began when it suffered engine failure at Newgale, leaving it broadside on the beach and battered by high tides. Efforts by St Davids RNLI Lifeboat to tow the 100-tonne vessel and load salvage pumps were abandoned on Tuesday due to challenging conditions.

On Wednesday evening (Jan 15), St Davids Lifeboat was called out again at 7:59pm to provide salvage pumps and escort the vessel towards Milford Haven. Despite assistance from Angle RNLI and local Coastguard teams, the vessel failed to reach the port, instead anchoring off Broad Haven. St Davids Lifeboat returned to station at 4:10am.

However, the drama continued just hours later when lifeboats were called out for a third time at 10:35am to assist the KMS Terramare near Broad Haven.

Community response

Local photographers and onlookers, including Gareth Davies of Hidden Pembrokeshire, have captured the unfolding drama, which has drawn significant attention in the area. The vessel’s connection to a major fibre optic project has added another layer of intrigue to an already complex situation.

A vessel in distress

The 24.5-metre, 100-tonne KMS Terramare first became stranded on Newgale Beach after experiencing engine failure, leaving it unable to maintain its position and forcing it broadside onto the pebbles. High tides and pounding waves inundated the deck, creating a precarious situation for the vessel and its crew.

HM Coastguard requested assistance from St Davids RNLI at 6:28pm on Tuesday. The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched swiftly into challenging conditions, with three-to-five-foot surf waves crashing against the shingle ridge at high tide. Despite best efforts, salvaging the vessel proved impossible.

RNLI Coxswain Will Chant explained: “The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible. However, it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of the vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow. Once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.”

The crew of the KMS Terramare safely disembarked onto the beach, while the vessel remained grounded at Newgale until it was refloated late on Tuesday night.

Pollution concerns

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the vessel approaches Broad Haven. While no immediate pollution has been reported, the prolonged ordeal raises concerns about fuel leaks or other environmental damage. Pollution response teams are on stand-by to mitigate any potential hazards.

Uncertain fate

Questions remain about the vessel’s future, with its forced beaching at Broad Haven seen as an emergency measure to stabilise its condition. Maritime experts will assess the vessel for damage and potential environmental risks before deciding the next steps.

The Herald will continue to provide updates on this evolving story.

Community watches: Residents and authorities alike are bracing for the vessel’s beaching and its potential implications.

Cover photo: Carrie Garner

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is inviting applications for a Lay Member to join its Governance and Audit Committee, with the deadline for submissions extended to January 31.

The role of the Governance and Audit Committee is crucial in ensuring the council’s financial and operational integrity. Responsibilities include scrutinising the council’s financial affairs, assessing risk management, performance, and corporate governance, and making recommendations to improve these areas.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an understanding of the value of audit functions and a commitment to accountability, openness, fairness, and sound financial management in the public sector.

However, some restrictions apply. Individuals cannot be appointed if they are:

• A member or officer of any local authority.
• A former member or officer of a local authority within the last 12 months.
• A spouse or civil partner of a member or officer of any local authority.

The appointment will be decided by a panel that includes an independent chairman, three council members, and a community council member. An allowance will be paid for attending committee meetings.

The council encourages applications from all sections of the community.

For more details and an application pack, contact Lydia Cheshire on 01437 775356 or email: [email protected].

The closing date for applications is 31 January 2025.

A VIOLENT altercation in Carmarthenshire has led to serious charges for William Rees, 24, of St Clears, who appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing charges of affray and grievous bodily harm.

The incident occurred on Tuesday (May 7, 2024) in Nott Square, Carmarthen. Rees was accused of assaulting a woman, causing a skull fracture and a small bleed on the brain. According to his statement, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the woman and his girlfriend. Rees explained: “I was out in Carmarthen with my girlfriend. We had a few drinks but I was aware of what I was doing. We were heading towards a taxi, but a girl started shouting. There was a verbal incident, and then she became aggressive towards my girlfriend. I had no intention to hurt the girl; I was just protecting my girlfriend.”

CCTV footage captured a brief but violent exchange, and Rees admitted his actions at the scene. He told police: “I like to apologise,” before being taken into custody.

Rees expressed shame after reviewing the footage, particularly over his actions during the incident, but maintained that he did not instigate the violence. He took full responsibility, reflecting that his actions were motivated by a desire to protect his partner.

The court heard that alcohol played a significant role in Rees’s behaviour. He acknowledged that his conduct was out of character and shared that he had since made substantial lifestyle changes. His defence barrister, Mr Wright, stated: “He has now stopped drinking. He had one drink at Christmas and has not drunk since then.”

Rees was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. While condemning the violent actions, His Honour Judge Huw Rees recognised the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and efforts to turn his life around.