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Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route

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IRISH Ferries’ Isle of Innisfree sustained damage during arrival on Friday (Dec 20) at Fishguard port. The incident occurred as the ferry attempted to dock, resulting in a hole in the vessel’s hull.

The new Dublin-Fishguard route was hastily established in response to the ongoing closure of Holyhead port, which has been shut since early December due to storm damage. Holyhead, the busiest port between the UK and Ireland, is not expected to reopen until January 15, 2025, at the earliest

This closure has caused significant disruption to both passenger and freight traffic, with an estimated 100,000 people typically returning to Ireland for Christmas. The new Fishguard route was intended to alleviate some of this pressure and maintain vital connections between Ireland and Wales.

As the Isle of Innisfree approached Fishguard on its inaugural journey, it encountered difficulties during the docking process. While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, the ferry sustained a hole in its hull upon contact with the port structures.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident. However, the damage has necessitated immediate emergency repairs.

The Herald understands that the ferry operator is currently assessing the damage and carrying out emergency repairs. Vehicles will be allowed to board once the vessel is deemed fit to sail.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by ferry operators in adapting to the Holyhead port closure. As the busy Christmas period approaches, both the Welsh and Irish governments are working closely with commercial ferry and port operators to increase capacity and minimise disruption.

The company said: “Irish Ferries apologises for the delay in this evening’s 1730 departure from Fishguard, which is due to a technical issue which arose on the ship’s arrival into the port earlier this evening. This issue is currently being resolved and the intention is for the ship to depart for Dublin as soon as is possible. All passengers are being kept fully informed of progress.”

Partners are continuing to work together to ensure passengers and freight are able to travel to and from Ireland ahead of the Christmas period following the temporary closure of the port of Holyhead.

Earlier today, and before the incident, the Welsh Government said in a press release that additional services have been provided by Stena and Irish Ferries at alternative ports, with Irish Ferries due to begin a new service from Fishguard later today.

The ferry companies are contacting their customers, and passengers are also encouraged to check the ferry companies’ websites for the very latest information.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts so far in working to ensure people can travel to and from Ireland.

“Both myself, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning and the First Minister continue to work closely in partnership with the Irish Government on this issue. There have been extensive efforts to bring everyone together to quickly and effectively find and implement solutions, also including the UK Government, the Metro Mayor for Liverpool and others.

“I understand how important it is for people to be able to travel home at this time of year, the ferry companies are delivering on alternative routes and I thank them for this. I would urge passengers to check the ferry websites to find the latest information on how they can travel.

“Partners such as Transport for Wales and local authorities have also been working to ensure smooth traffic flow to the alternative ports, as they will experience increased activity.

“I know the situation will have caused anxiety at this particular time of year, when travel to see loved ones is so important. I am grateful to all our partners who have made every effort to deal with this situation.”

Crime

Former Reform candidate faces drink-driving trial

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FORMER Reform UK parliamentary candidate Stewart Marchant has appeared before a district judge charged with driving over the legal alcohol limit.

Marchant, 44, is accused of driving a Dacia Duster on the A40 between Penblewin and Llanddewi Velfrey on February 1 with 76mcg of alcohol in his breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, Marchant pleaded not guilty to the charge. He chose to represent himself in court.

His trial is scheduled to take place at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 20). He was released on unconditional bail.

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Crime

Owner sentenced after Shetland ponies found in poor condition —one died

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A WEST WALES man has been sentenced after two Shetland ponies—one dead and one alive—were found in a severely poor body condition.

Stephen Edward Griffiths (born 12 December 1962), of Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 13) for sentencing after pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that Griffiths caused unnecessary suffering to a male Shetland pony by failing to investigate and address its poor body condition. He was also convicted of failing to ensure the needs of two ponies—a female grey Shetland and a male skewbald Shetland—by not providing a suitable environment, adequate diet, or treatment for rain scald and lice infestation.

Griffiths was sentenced to a 16-week prison term for each offence, to run concurrently, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years, given a one-year community order, ordered to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and told to pay £250 in costs. The court heard he was remorseful.

RSPCA investigation

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben visited the location on June 18 last year following concerns raised about the welfare of two Shetland ponies.

“When I arrived, I observed a dead grey Shetland pony in thin condition with hair loss. A chain was attached to a collar around its neck but not secured to anything at the other end,” he said.

Nearby was a skewbald Shetland pony in an emaciated state. Its spine and ribs were clearly visible, and it had a skin condition. The pony had been sprayed with purple spray and was tethered by a chain to a tree.

A bucket of water was found near the pony, but the caller who alerted the RSPCA had placed it there.

Griffiths told Inspector Hogben that the grey Shetland pony had been dead for a few days but he had been unable to move the body due to a broken tractor. He also claimed he had only had the ponies for a few months and had rescued the skewbald pony from Cross Hands.

Veterinary findings

An equine vet attended and deemed the skewbald pony fit to travel. It was later signed over into RSPCA care.

In a witness statement, the vet described the skewbald Shetland stallion as being in very poor condition, tethered on a short chain of approximately eight feet.

“He had very limited access to forage due to the tether, and the available space was well grazed. He also had a severe lice infestation,” the vet said. The pony was given a Body Condition Score of 0.5 out of five.

The dead grey Shetland mare was also in extremely poor condition, with a Body Condition Score of 0.5 out of five.

“Her spine and spinous processes were protruding, her ribs were clearly visible despite her long coat, and her pelvis was skeletal. She had been dead for several days,” the vet reported.

Rescue and recovery

The male Shetland pony, later named Groovy Bob, has since recovered following veterinary treatment and has been rehomed by the RSPCA.

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Crime

Pembrokeshire learning support assistant to be sentenced for child neglect

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A PEMBROKESHIRE Learning Support Assistant has appeared before magistrates charged with ill-treating and causing unnecessary suffering to her two children.

This week, Haverfordwest magistrates were shown shocking photographs of the appalling living conditions the children endured between November 2019 and June 2024.

Their bedding was infested with maggots and flies, while a potty containing faeces was left in one of the bedrooms. Faeces were also smeared across the walls and floors.

“It’s difficult to say what effect this will have on those children,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

The children’s beds had no appropriate bedding, only dirty rags. Magistrates heard that concerns were initially raised by one of the children’s teachers after noticing a maggot on the carpet near where the child had been sitting.

“The child said there were flies in his bedroom because of the rubbish,” said Nia James. “He also said he was unable to sleep because of the maggots in his bed.”

Following the school’s concerns, a welfare check was carried out at the family home in Milford Haven.

“Significant issues were noted,” continued James. “There was a stale odour, numerous flies, and a foul smell coming from the fridge. There was a limited amount of food in the cupboards, and the dining room was inaccessible due to clutter, as was one of the bedrooms.

“Faeces were smeared across the walls and floors, and there was no bedding on the beds, just dirty rags. Takeaway boxes and large quantities of rubbish were strewn over the floor, and in one bedroom, a toilet-type potty still contained excrement.

“These were the conditions the children had been living in for years, not just a couple of months.

“This was severe, long-term neglect, with flies and maggot infestations and the smell of urine on the children.”

James told magistrates that the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is employed as an LSA.

“As an education worker, she should have been aware of the circumstances, given her day-to-day job,” added James.

After hearing the prosecution’s evidence, magistrates declined jurisdiction after the 39-year-old woman pleaded guilty to both charges. As a result, she will now be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on March 11.

She was released on conditional bail, with restrictions preventing her from having unsupervised contact with her children unless approved by social services or police. She must also continue to reside at her home address.

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