News

Double first shout for two Fishguard RNLI volunteers

Published

11 months ago

February 5, 2025

Two Fishguard RNLI volunteers experienced their first service launch as small motor vessel lost propulsion

Crew were paged at 2.35pm on Saturday 1 February with the request from HM Coastguard to launch the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson. The tasking was to assist a small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which was experiencing loss of propulsion being pushed towards the North breakwater by the prevailing winds.

With the casualty vessel visible within a few hundred metres from the station the volunteer crew launched and were almost immediately alongside the vessel. A risk assessment was made, and it was determined the safest course of action would be to tow the vessel to shore, removing the casualties to safety and preventing the vessel itself from becoming a hazard to other vessels in the port, including the all-weather lifeboat. An alongside tow was established and vessel assisted into the pen adjacent to the lifeboat station.

Whilst it was one of the shortest launches for Fishguard RNLI it allowed two station volunteers to get the experience of their first service launch.

Cathy who joined the crew last year and passed out as a Launch Authority, while having already completed some uneventful periods on duty, this time experienced her first tasking request for a launch.

Launch authorities are the first point of contact for HM Coastguard when a lifeboat is requested, and will authorise the launch, brief the helm or coxswain on the situation and will gather information to provide a report back to RNLI Headquarters in Poole.

It was also the first service launch for trainee inshore lifeboat crew member Rhodri who also joined last year, and on completion of training requirements to be safe to go on service was issued with his pager, and has been waiting for that first shout.

Only a few hours before, Rhodri, amongst other volunteers had been out training, practicing the skills which would be put to use for real later that day.

Fishguard RNLI volunteer trainee inshore lifeboat crew member Rhodri Pugh-Dungey, said: ‘Having your pager go off for the first time definitely gets the adrenaline flowing as you have no idea what you are going to be faced with. Thankfully, all of the training provided by the RNLI had thoroughly prepared me for the situation we encountered. Fortunately we were able to assist the casualty vessel and both crew members, bringing them back to safety.

The crew on-board were experienced and had the correct equipment including lifejackets and had a handheld VHF to request assistance.

I would highly recommend that other members of the community reach out to the station if they wish to volunteer, providing a service to the public is a very rewarding feeling.’

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

54 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.