ANGLE lifeboat was launched at 8:56pm on Friday evening (Nov 14) to assist a 15-metre fishing vessel that had suffered mechanical failure around 26.5 miles southwest of St Ann’s Head.

The vessel, with seven crew members aboard, was located just before 11:00pm after the lifeboat made best speed through challenging night-time conditions. Following an assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that, given the vessel’s position, potential hazard to navigation, and the welfare of those on board, the safest option was to take the casualty under tow.

A tow was established and a course set for Milford Docks. After a slow and steady passage lasting more than seven hours, the boats arrived off the port shortly before 7:30am. While waiting for the next lock, the fishing vessel was brought alongside the lifeboat for the final approach.

The casualty was safely secured within Milford Docks by 8:00am. With no further assistance required, Angle’s all-weather lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 8:45am — nearly 12 hours after the initial pager alert.

POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan on Friday afternoon (Nov 15).

Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.

The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement

Inspectors rate leadership and partnership working as ‘good’ but highlight inconsistent risk assessments

SOUTH WALES POLICE has been praised for its strong leadership and partnership work in protecting children from harm — but inspectors have called for improvements in how the force assesses risk and investigates abuse cases.

A report published on Thursday (Nov 14) by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) examined how the force responds to children at risk, how effectively it investigates allegations of abuse, and how well it works with safeguarding partners.

The inspectors concluded that “the concerted efforts of officers and staff, extending from operational teams to strategic leaders, are helping to achieve better outcomes for children.”

The report rated the force’s leadership, partnership work, and response to children at risk as good, but said performance in assessing risk and investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation was only adequate.

The inspection found that officers were “committed and caring,” and praised the establishment of specialist exploitation teams and the force’s investment in training. However, it also identified inconsistency in the supervision of child protection cases and delays in recording safeguarding decisions.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Williams said the findings reflected the dedication of staff across South Wales Police and the importance the force places on protecting the most vulnerable.

He said: “Every day our officers and staff, both on the frontline and in specialist roles, work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities from harm. I am really pleased that our work on child protection has been recognised by HM Inspectorate.

“In such a complex area of policing there will be ways we can get better, which is why we have increased training and set up dedicated exploitation teams that have already made a difference in identifying and investigating offences of grooming and child sexual exploitation.

“There is more work to do, but we are totally committed to protecting children from harm and playing an integral role in the wider network of partners across South Wales who keep young people safe.”

South Wales Police urged anyone concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect to report it, promising that all reports will be taken seriously and investigated.

The full HMICFRS report can be read at: South Wales Police: National child protection inspection – HMICFRS.