News
Warning after near-miss with tanker in Milford Haven waterway
Port Authority issues safety alert to leisure boat users following dangerous manoeuvres
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has issued a stark warning to leisure boaters after a recent series of dangerous incidents involving small vessels navigating too close to tankers during critical docking operations.
In one alarming episode, two leisure craft were spotted passing between a large tanker and the Valero Jetty while the tanker was on final approach and being manoeuvred into position by Svitzer tugs. One of the vessels, which had just departed Milford Marina, was seen crossing at high speed on the wrong side of the channel — in direct breach of international collision regulations.
An image taken by one of the port’s Pilots shows the vessel cutting ahead of the tanker, despite the ship sounding the appropriate warning signals. A second, smaller vessel followed shortly after, also navigating on the incorrect side of the narrow channel and passing through an increasingly tight space between the tanker and the berth.
“This behaviour is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous,” said a spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven. “These vessels put themselves, their passengers, and everyone on board the tanker at serious risk.”
The port has reminded users that such actions are a direct contravention of Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), which require vessels under 20 metres or sailing craft not to impede the safe passage of larger vessels confined to narrow channels.
Additionally, the port’s own byelaws — specifically Byelaw 27 — prohibit vessels from coming within 100 metres of terminal structures or berthed ships. Both leisure boats were reported to have breached this safety zone.
The Port is urging all leisure users to monitor VHF Channel 12 when navigating the waterway to stay informed of commercial vessel movements and avoid potentially catastrophic encounters.
“Listening and complying with the rules keeps everyone safe,” the spokesperson added. “We want everyone to enjoy the Haven responsibly.”
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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