Authorities continue monitoring stranded GV Resolute as salvage questions loom

ENVIRONMENTAL concerns are continuing to grow over a grounded guard vessel that has remained stranded on rocks at Dinas Bay since running aground during severe weather in December.

The GV Resolute became grounded while sheltering in the bay on December 11. All crew members were safely rescued at the time in a coordinated operation involving the RNLI and a search and rescue helicopter.

While the immediate danger to life was resolved, attention has since turned to the potential long-term environmental impact of the vessel remaining in a sensitive and exposed coastal location.

The Herald understands that all fuel has now been removed from the vessel, significantly reducing the risk of a major pollution incident. However, maritime observers say the continued exposure of the damaged vessel to winter storms increases the risk of further structural deterioration, debris loss and contamination from compromised onboard systems.

Monitoring continues

HM Coastguard previously confirmed that the situation remains under active observation.

A spokesperson said at the time: “The vessel, which is still aground, is being monitored as tidal conditions change.”

The vessel remains wedged among rocks and reef, a position that experts say complicates any salvage operation and limits access for heavy recovery equipment.

Dinas Bay forms part of a rugged and ecologically sensitive stretch of the Pembrokeshire coastline, with reefs, rock pools and marine habitats that could be affected should the vessel’s condition worsen or break up during storms.

“Hyper-focused” rescue highlights risks of the location

The dangers posed by the location were underlined during the original rescue operation.

RNLI crew member Cedwyn Rogers previously described how volunteers had to switch into “hyper-focused” mode as training took over during the complex rescue from the rocks.

The comment highlights the challenging nature of the coastline and the risks faced not only by crews, but also by salvage teams now tasked with assessing the vessel’s future.

Pressure for decisive action

Photographs taken in recent days show the Resolute listing heavily against the rocks, with visible hull damage and clear signs of prolonged exposure to wave action.

There are growing concerns that sea water ingress may already have compromised internal systems, including electrics and machinery, potentially reducing the chances of the vessel ever returning to service.

Maritime sources warn that the longer the vessel remains in place, the greater the likelihood of further degradation, particularly as winter weather continues to batter the coast.

Environmental specialists say priorities now include continued monitoring, clear oversight by maritime and environmental authorities, and a timely decision on whether recovery, controlled dismantling or removal is required to prevent long-term harm.

No injuries were reported during the original incident, and there is currently no suggestion of wrongdoing. However, with storms continuing to affect the west coast, pressure is increasing for a clear plan to prevent the situation escalating into a wider environmental problem.

Photo caption: Stranded and exposed: The grounded guard vessel GV Resolute remains lodged on rocks at Dinas Bay weeks after running aground during severe weather (Pics: Nick Bolton).

Prime Minister says Labour will make families “better off” as local elections loom

PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to take his case directly to voters with a renewed focus on the cost of living, insisting Labour’s policies will begin to ease household pressures this year.

During a visit to Berkshire on Monday, Sir Keir will meet residents and businesses as he attempts to reframe the Government’s message after a difficult first year in office marked by weak growth, poor polling and internal unrest.

The Prime Minister has rejected suggestions that his leadership is under threat, saying he remains focused on delivering “real improvements” for families rather than responding to political speculation.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Sir Keir said his own upbringing had shaped his approach to policy, recalling times when his family struggled financially.

“Every pound matters,” he said, adding that Labour’s priority for 2026 is to reduce everyday costs and put more money back into people’s pockets.

The renewed push comes as Labour faces elections in England, Wales and Scotland later this year, though the Prime Minister has played down claims the results will amount to a verdict on his Government.

He told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that voters should not view the contests as a judgment on Westminster, insisting Labour would “fight for every vote” without taking public support for granted.

Sir Keir also defended his decision to rule out stepping aside, arguing that political instability had damaged the country in recent years.

“Constant leadership changes are not in the national interest,” he said, contrasting Labour’s approach with what he described as the “chaos” of successive Conservative administrations.

As part of the cost-of-living campaign, ministers will highlight measures including a freeze on rail fares and a week-long discount scheme covering around three million train tickets from Tuesday.

Sir Keir said cheaper transport would benefit not only commuters but also town centres and local businesses by encouraging footfall and family travel.

“It’s good news for high streets,” he said. “Affordable transport helps people spend time together and supports local economies.”

MPs return to Westminster this week following the Christmas recess, with Sir Keir expected to use Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting to underline the Government’s focus on household finances.

“I know families are still under pressure,” he is expected to tell ministers. “There will be no pause in our efforts to make life more affordable.”

The Conservatives have accused Labour of worsening the cost-of-living crisis, with party leader Kemi Badenoch claiming working people are paying the price for higher taxes.

She pointed to the continued freeze on income tax thresholds, warning that millions more are being pulled into higher tax bands.

Ministers have defended the measures, including £26 billion in tax rises announced in the autumn statement, saying they are necessary to stabilise the economy and protect public services.

Mrs Badenoch said Labour “has no plan to fix Britain”, a claim the Prime Minister rejects as he seeks to reset his message for the year ahead.

Multi-agency operation to resume this morning after overnight stand-down

SEARCH teams will resume efforts today (Monday, Jan 5) as a multi-agency operation to locate a man believed to have entered the River Teifi in Cardigan enters its second day.

Emergency services were first alerted in the early hours of Sunday (Jan 4) after reports that a man had gone into the river from the Castle Street bridge area at around 5.15am.

Dyfed-Powys Police, HM Coastguard and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service carried out an extensive search throughout Sunday, deploying officers on foot, specialist water rescue teams, boats, a helicopter and drones.

Despite the масштаб operation, the man has not been located.

The search was stood down overnight and is due to resume this morning.

In a statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, a spokesperson thanked those involved in the response and reiterated safety advice to the public.

They said: “We would like to thank all agencies and members of the public who assisted during the day.

“We continue to ask people to stay away from the area, particularly the river banks, for their own safety.”

Police have again appealed for information and urged anyone who may be able to help to come forward.

“If you have any information that could assist officers, or if you are the person who entered the water and are now safe, please contact us,” the spokesperson added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, quoting incident number 52 of Sunday, January 4.

The Herald understands further updates will be issued as the operation continues.