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Stricken vessel now off Broad Haven as pollution experts stand-by

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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.

Refused entry to Milford Haven

Questions remain about the vessel’s future. The vessel is now off Broad Haven having been refused entry into Milford Haven for the time-being. Maritime experts will assess the vessel for damage and potential environmental risks before deciding the next steps.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, said: “The Port is aware of and engaged with all relevant agencies, including owners, salvors, MCA, and HMCG, regarding a situation with a survey vessel.

“Due to there being no risk to life but potential for a damaged vessel to present a navigational and/or pollution hazard to the Milford Haven Waterway’s marine environment and its core energy cargo operations, permission to enter was refused.

“This will remain the case until a clearer understanding of the position is obtained.

“As the UK’s leading energy port, operating in a Special Area of Conservation, we must do all we reasonably can to protect the sensitive marine environment and ensure the safe continuity of the country’s energy supplies.

“We are working with all parties to support a successful outcome for the vessel.”

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

Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

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TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.

The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”

The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.

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Community

Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

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A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.

The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”

This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.

Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Catholics travel to Cardiff for Blessed Carlo Acutis relic visit

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A GROUP of Catholic faithful from Pembrokeshire will travel to Cardiff to witness the visit of a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a revered young figure set to be canonised by Pope Francis on April 27, 2025. The relic, a fragment of the membrane surrounding his heart, will be brought to the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia from February 14-17, offering the faithful an opportunity for prayer and veneration.

A modern saint for a digital age

Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was born in London and later lived in Milan, dedicated his short life to his faith and the use of technology to spread the Gospel. Diagnosed with leukaemia, he died at the age of 15 in 2006, but his legacy continues to inspire young people worldwide. Carlo’s passion for technology and his deep faith earned him recognition as a model for modern youth, and his beatification by Pope Francis in 2020 has drawn significant devotion.

Pilgrimage from Pembrokeshire

Devotees from parishes across Pembrokeshire, including Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, and Tenby, are organising transport to attend the event in Cardiff. Many are eager to take part in the Masses, veneration sessions, and talks surrounding the visit of the relic.

Local parishioner Mary Davies, who will be making the journey, said: “Carlo Acutis is a real inspiration, especially for young people. He used technology to share his faith, showing that holiness is possible in our everyday lives. This visit is a blessing for Wales.”

Father John Morgan of St David and St Patrick’s Church in Haverfordwest said: “We encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to pray before the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. It is a moment of grace for our diocese.”

Schedule of the relic visit

The relic will visit key locations, starting at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David in Cardiff on Friday, February 14, before moving to Belmont Abbey, Swansea’s Co-Cathedral, and the Sacred Heart Church in Morriston over the weekend. The tour will conclude with a visit to Blessed Carlo Acutis School in Merthyr on Monday, February 17, where Archbishop Mark O’Toole will celebrate Mass.

Throughout the visit, there will be Masses, opportunities for veneration, and talks about the life and legacy of Blessed Carlo. Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, from the Diocese of Assisi, will accompany the relic, offering insights into Carlo’s journey to sainthood.

A historic moment for Wales

The relic’s visit to Wales is particularly significant as the Church prepares for Carlo’s canonisation. With his focus on modern evangelisation, many see him as a saint for today’s world.

“His message that ‘everyone is born an original but many die as photocopies’ is a call to embrace our faith fully,” said youth leader Tom Jenkins, who is organising a group from Pembrokeshire. “This is an event that will strengthen our faith and deepen our devotion.”

For more information on transport and group travel arrangements from Pembrokeshire, local parishes are encouraging interested individuals to get in touch as soon as possible.

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