News

The Sea Empress Disaster: Remembering the catastrophe 29 years on

Published

12 months ago

February 15, 2025

IT WAS exactly 29 years ago. On the evening of February 15, 1996, at approximately 8:07pm, the oil tanker Sea Empress ran aground on rocks near St. Ann’s Head at the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire. The vessel, en route to the Texaco oil refinery in Milford Haven, was carrying over 130,000 tonnes of Forties blend crude oil. The incident led to one of Britain’s worst environmental disasters.

A catastrophic collision

As the Sea Empress navigated the narrow channel against an outgoing tide, strong currents pushed the vessel off course, causing it to collide with mid-channel rocks. The initial impact released approximately 2,500 tonnes of crude oil into the sea. Over the next six days, severe weather conditions and missteps in salvage operations hindered efforts to refloat and stabilize the tanker. The vessel grounded and refloated multiple times, ultimately spilling around 72,000 tonnes of crude oil and 370 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the surrounding waters.

Environmental devastation

The spill had catastrophic consequences, particularly for the ecologically sensitive Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. More than 200 kilometers of coastline were contaminated, impacting numerous habitats and species.

Wildlife impact

Though the spill occurred in late winter before many migratory species had returned, resident wildlife suffered extensively. Thousands of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and the common scoter duck, were found dead or severely oiled. Estimates suggest that approximately 5,000 of the 15,000 common scoters in the area perished.

Marine life was also heavily affected. Intertidal species such as seaweeds, invertebrates, and rock pool fish experienced significant mortality. Grey seals inhabit the region, but their population suffered minimal direct impact due to the timing of the spill.

Economic and social repercussions

The disaster had profound economic consequences for local communities. A fishing ban was promptly imposed along the affected coastlines, suspending operations for fisheries targeting species like shellfish and lobsters. The ban lasted several months, resulting in substantial financial losses. While compensation schemes were introduced, many affected individuals felt the payouts were insufficient.

Tourism, a vital part of Pembrokeshire’s economy, also suffered. The spill occurred just before the Easter holiday season, leading to mass cancellations and a decline in visitor numbers. Popular beaches were covered in oil deposits, deterring tourists and impacting businesses reliant on seasonal trade.

Mobilization of cleanup efforts

In response to the crisis, a massive cleanup operation was launched, involving over a thousand individuals, including local volunteers, environmental organizations, and government agencies. The immediate priority was rescuing and rehabilitating oiled wildlife. Specialized facilities were established to clean affected birds, though survival rates post-release remained low.

Shoreline cleanup efforts presented significant challenges. Teams employed various methods, including manual oil removal and chemical dispersants designed to break down the crude. While dispersants proved effective in some cases, concerns arose about their long-term environmental impact. Most visible oil was removed from beaches within six weeks, but cleanup efforts in remote areas continued for over a year.

Investigations and accountability

Subsequent investigations identified pilot error as a primary cause, with misjudgments regarding tidal streams and currents leading to the initial grounding. The report also highlighted deficiencies in the port’s navigational aids and emergency response protocols. As a result, the Milford Haven Port Authority faced scrutiny and was fined £4 million for its role in the disaster.

Long-term environmental recovery

Monitoring of the affected areas revealed that natural recovery was underway, aided by the region’s dynamic tidal systems. By 2001, studies indicated significant habitat restoration. However, certain species, particularly those with longer lifespans and slower reproductive rates, continued to show reduced population numbers, underscoring the prolonged effects of oil spills on biodiversity.

Lessons learned

The Sea Empress disaster prompted significant reforms in maritime safety and environmental protection within the UK, including:

Enhanced Navigational Protocols: Improved pilot training and navigational aids to prevent future groundings.
Regulatory Changes: Introduction of the Port Marine Safety Code, establishing national port safety standards.
Environmental Safeguards: Strengthened oil spill contingency plans and increased investment in spill response technologies.

The Sea Empress disaster remains a stark reminder of the fragile balance between industrial activities and environmental preservation. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures, rigorous regulatory oversight, and proactive environmental protection to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.

Crime

Police probe fire safety damage at St Govan’s Centre in Pembroke Dock

Published

27 seconds ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating after fire safety equipment was deliberately damaged at the St Govan’s Shopping Centre in Pembroke Dock.

The incident happened during the evening of Monday (Feb 2), when glass covers on several fire alarm call points inside the shopping arcade were reportedly smashed.

Centre staff said the damage posed a serious risk to public safety and warned that tampering with fire protection systems could endanger shoppers and businesses.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “This type of behaviour is extremely concerning. Damaging fire alarm equipment compromises safety and puts people at risk.

“It also leaves the centre facing unnecessary repair costs and disruption which could have been avoided.”

CCTV images have been released showing three young people who are believed to be connected to the incident. Staff are urging anyone who recognises those pictured to come forward so the matter can be addressed.

They added: “We want to make clear how dangerous this kind of behaviour is and deal with it appropriately.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers are making enquiries.

A spokesperson said: “On February 3 we received a report of criminal damage which occurred at St Govan’s Shopping Centre, Pembroke Dock, on February 2. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

News

Welsh Government clarifies payment after questions over African film festival funding

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ministers say £41,600.90 supported wider screen industry project — not the Watch Africa event itself

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has moved to clarify reports that more than £40,000 of public money was spent directly funding an African film festival in Cardiff, saying the payment was instead for a wider skills and diversity project across the Welsh screen industry.

Earlier figures showed that £41,600.90 was paid in February 2025 to Watch Africa CIC, the organisation associated with the annual Watch Africa Film Festival. The festival, launched in 2013, celebrates African cinema through film screenings, workshops, filmmaker discussions and cultural showcases.

However, the Welsh Government has told The Herald that none of the funding was allocated specifically to the festival itself.

In a statement issued to this newspaper, ministers said the money was instead provided to support Culture Connect Wales, a broader industry partnership initiative aimed at improving skills and promoting diversity within Wales’ film and television sector.

A spokesperson said: “We have not provided any funding for the Watch Africa Film Festival. The £41,600.90 was provided to Watch Africa to fund Culture Connect Wales, a wider industry partnership project aimed at boosting skills and promoting diversity across the Welsh screen sector.

“The screen sector plays a major role in the Welsh economy and is a key employer. The latest industry research data for Wales’ screen sector reports that film and TV production achieved £568m turnover in 2024 and is home to 695 companies that create significant freelance and trainee opportunities for our workforce.

“Creative Wales has invested in 72 productions through Production Funding alone, generating almost half a billion pounds in economic return to the nation, and these numbers continue to grow.”

The spending had previously been questioned by Gareth Davies, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport and North Wales, who raised concerns about cultural funding priorities at a time of ongoing pressure on public finances and NHS waiting times.

Mr Davies said that while he supported cultural events operating in Wales, he believed limited public funds should be focused primarily on Welsh institutions and services under strain.

He also pointed to the closure of National Theatre Wales in 2024 after it lost core funding, arguing that established Welsh organisations had struggled while other projects received government support.

The Welsh Government maintains that the Culture Connect Wales programme is intended to strengthen the domestic screen industry, create jobs and improve opportunities for workers and trainees across Wales, rather than fund individual festivals.

The article has been updated to reflect this clarification.

Crime

Boxer and MMA fighter killed in Blaenavon attack as man admits murder

Published

3 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN has admitted murdering a well-known boxer and mixed martial arts fighter who was found seriously injured at a Blaenavon address.

Duane Keen, aged 47, was discovered with catastrophic injuries at a property on Riverside Drive in Blaenavon during the early hours of Thursday, October 17 last year. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kai Pennell, aged 35, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday (Feb 6), where he pleaded guilty to murder.

He also admitted criminal damage relating to the destruction of a white Suzuki Swift belonging to Rebecca Phillips. A further allegation of making threats to kill will not proceed to trial.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the court that only a life sentence can be imposed for murder, with the minimum term to be decided at a later hearing. Pennell, of Riverside Drive, was remanded in custody and will return to court for sentencing on February 24.

Police were called to the address shortly after 2:00am. Witnesses reported armed officers, paramedics and an air ambulance attending, while the street was sealed off as forensic teams began their investigation.

In a statement, Gwent Police previously confirmed a major emergency response had been launched following reports of serious violence.

Family members paid tribute to Mr Keen, describing him as a dedicated sportsman and a loyal friend.

They said: “Duane was a talented boxer and MMA all-rounder with lots of belts to his name. He would help anyone who needed it and was always at the end of a phone.

“He loved being with his dogs and out walking with them. Duane will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. There are no words to express what we as a family are going through.

“Duane, you were a champ in the ring, but you were the biggest champ to us.”

The court heard that sentencing will take place later this month, when the judge will determine how long Pennell must serve before he can be considered for release.