Community

Five call outs for Angle RNLI in just one week

Published

3 weeks ago

June 22, 2025

ANGLE RNLI volunteers have had a busy week, with five shouts in just seven days — including two late-night launches, a drifting boat, and two separate incidents on the Cleddau Bridge.

Late-night lifeboat launch after drifting boat reported

In the early hours of Sunday morning (June 22), the crew were woken at 1:54am to reports of a vessel drifting near Lawrenny Quay. The all-weather lifeboat launched swiftly and began searching the area, deploying the smaller Y boat up the Cresswell River while the main crew combed the Carew River and Lawrenny moorings.

With nothing spotted, they pushed on up the Cleddau as far as Llangwm. Thankfully, no one was found in danger, and the crew were stood down around 4:20am. Tenby and Broad Haven Coastguard teams were also on scene carrying out searches from the shoreline.

False alarm near Wards Pier

On Wednesday evening (June 18), lifeboat crew already training at the station were sent out after reports of two 12-year-olds in the water off Wards Pier. They launched quickly and arrived on scene to find no sign of anyone in difficulty — just a few fishermen who hadn’t seen anything.

After a short coordinated search with Dale Coastguard and police, the call was confirmed as a false alarm. The crew were back at the jetty by 7:30pm.

Yacht breakdown sparks rescue mission

On Monday morning (June 16), at 10:19am, the Angle crew were called out to assist a 37-foot yacht with three people on board, drifting three miles south-west of St Ann’s Head with engine failure.

The yacht was under sail but unable to reach safety. A tow was passed, and the lifeboat took the vessel to Hobbs Point, transferring to an alongside tow for the final stretch. The mission was completed by 1:00pm, and the lifeboat was made ready for its next job.

Two separate shouts to Cleddau Bridge

There were also two call-outs to the Cleddau Bridge — one on Saturday afternoon (June 21) and one this evening (June 22) at 5:23pm — both for incidents where police requested assistance. In both cases, the crew were preparing to launch but were stood down before hitting the water, after officers confirmed the incidents had been safely resolved.

Volunteers always ready

The RNLI crew at Angle remain on call 24/7, ready to respond no matter the time, weather or nature of the call. As this week shows — whether it’s a drifting boat, missing children, or a stricken yacht — they’re always ready to answer the call.

Brave volunteers: Ready at all hours to keep our coastlines safe (Pic: RNLI Angle)

Community

Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Published

5 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.

The key rules include:

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No running or diving in or around the pool.
No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
Littering is strictly prohibited.

A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”

There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.

Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”

Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”

Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.

Caption:

Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).

Community

Soapbox thrills return to Fishguard this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Homemade racers set to hurtle through town in annual derby

A WILD ride is promised in Fishguard this Saturday (July 12) as the town’s much-loved Soapbox Derby returns in full force.

Organised by Fishguard and District Round Table, the annual event will once again see daring drivers pilot their homemade carts down the sloping streets of Penbanc and Rope Walk, skimming past Lota Park as they compete for the fastest time – and the biggest cheers.

From high-speed thrills to hair-raising spills, the course is known for its tight corners, jumps and the occasional spectacular crash, all to the delight of hundreds of spectators.

Racing starts at 12:00pm and continues until 5:00pm, with five trophies on offer – including first, second and third place, the ‘Derby Disaster’ prize for the most dramatic mishap, and a trophy for the best design. Last year’s winners are reminded to return their trophies to A&E Nichols on West Street ahead of the event.

This year’s entry process was run through Eventbrite, with registration now closed. A packed day of entertainment will accompany the racing, with family-friendly fun in Lota Park including food stalls, bouncy castles, fairground rides and more.

All proceeds from the derby – along with other summer events including the raft race and carnival – are reinvested into local projects by the Round Table.

For updates and information, search “Fishguard Soapbox Derby” on Facebook.

Charity

Tributes paid as RNLI lifeboat coxswain Frankie George MBE passes away

Published

13 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Respected Fishguard seaman served for two decades and led hundreds of launches

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Fishguard RNLI coxswain Francis ‘Frankie’ George MBE, who has died.

Mr George, who retired in 2002 after nearly twenty years of dedicated service, was described as one of the finest seamen of his generation. During his time with the lifeboat station, he took part in hundreds of service launches and was deeply respected throughout the lifeboat community.

Chris Williams, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager and former lifeboat mechanic, said: “Francis (Frankie) George MBE was quite simply one of the finest seamen I have ever sailed with. He engendered respect from all who met him.

“His professionalism and skill were second to none, and he inspired total confidence in his crews, even in the foulest of weather.

“With his passing, Fishguard has lost one of its true characters. He will be missed by all who knew him. As a mark of respect, the flag above the lifeboat station will be flown at half-mast.”

The RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat crew extended their heartfelt condolences to Mr George’s family and friends.

Respected coxswain: Frankie George MBE led hundreds of lifeboat launches from Fishguard (Pic: RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat)