News
Smoke alert on Milford Haven pilot boat prompts major emergency response
Port confirms no fire aboard as crews race to battery fault aboard 20m vessel
EMERGENCY SERVICES were called into action late on Saturday night (July 19) after smoke was reported aboard a Port of Milford Haven pilot vessel — believed to be the Picton — prompting a coordinated response involving four fire crews, the RNLI, and coastguard teams.
The 19.75-metre vessel, which was moored at the Port Authority Jetty, is one of two Camarc-designed pilot boats operated by the port. Her sister vessel, Skomer, is currently out of service and positioned on the quayside, suggesting Picton was the vessel involved in the incident.
At 11:38pm, shortly after being stood down from a separate police incident in Pembroke Dock, Angle RNLI lifeboat was retasked to respond. Dale coastguard rescue team was also re-deployed, while Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service mobilised crews from Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Carmarthen.
The vessel had been evacuated and smoke was traced to its wheelhouse battery compartment. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers, a thermal imaging camera and a gas monitor to investigate and make the scene safe. The Port of Milford Haven confirmed there was no fire and no pollution risk.
Harbourmaster Mike Ryan said: “The fire service was able to quickly identify the cause of the reported smoke as coming from a battery compartment, and action was taken promptly to remove the affected batteries. All crew were safely evacuated, and the vessel was repaired and returned to duty.”
Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Picton is certified for up to 12 persons and designed to withstand up to 6-metre wave heights. She typically sees around 3,000 hours of service annually, conducting pilot transfers across the Milford Haven waterway. The boat is powered by twin Caterpillar engines generating a combined 670hp, delivering a service speed of around 14 knots.
The RNLI stood by during the incident and was stood down just after 1:00am. No injuries were reported.
The earlier callout at 11:14pm saw Angle lifeboat and coastguard teams deployed to assist Dyfed-Powys Police with an incident in Pembroke Dock. That situation was resolved by police without the need for further maritime involvement. Police have been approached for further comment.
Crime
Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys
DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.
From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.
The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.
To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.
“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.
“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”
The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.
Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.
As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.
Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.
The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.
“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.
“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
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