News
Ferry passengers in rough 26 hour ride

Rough ride: The Stena Europe. (Photo Lisa Roberts/Facebook)
A FERRY which failed to fully dock at Fishguard yesterday has now arrived back in port after more than twenty six grueling hours in rough seas, it’s owners have confirmed.
The Stena Europe left Rosslare Harbour on Saturday morning and should have arrived in Pembrokeshire on Saturday at lunchtime.
Cleddau Radio has reported that a number of foot passengers were able to disembark before conditions worsened. According to reports a mooring rope snapped forcing the vessel to leave the port before car and freight traffic could off load.
A passenger on board posting on Facebook page described very rough conditions entering Fishguard Harbour as the ship listed heavily.
On Saturday night (Jan 31) Rachel Crombie posted on Facebook: “Sally, my friend, is aboard and they’re up near Barmouth now, hoping to dock back down in Fishguard tomorrow morning, but a lorry has overturned on board so actually getting anyone who’s on with a vehicle is going to take hours if and when they finally dock.”
Ms Crombie added: “Sally has said the captain took the stabilisers off as they came into Fishguard harbour and they rolled massively, cue smashing glass from the bar and slamming doors then rolled the other way and that’s when the lorry went. They came in the wrong way and because of the lorry blocking the exit, it was decided that they’d head off up to calmer waters and wait it out and try again tomorrow.”
Ms Crombie’s account has not been confirmed by the ferry operator.
A marine traffic website showed that the ferry headed north, taking shelter off the Llyn peninsula overnight. The vessel with the crew and most of the passengers still on board then made the return journey to Pembrokeshire, south through Cardigan Bay on Sunday morning (Feb 1). The Stena Europe arrived back in port shortly before 12 midday Sunday in much calmer conditions.
Stena Line has confirmed to The Pembrokeshire Herald that normal timetabled services have now resumed.
Climate
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum project endorsed as UN Ocean Decade Activity
Climate adaptation toolkit joins global sustainability programme
PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has announced that its Climate Adaptation Toolkit for Coastal Communities has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, recognising the project’s contribution to international efforts to build a more sustainable relationship with the world’s oceans.
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, brings together organisations across the globe to generate and share knowledge that can support resilient and sustainable coastal futures. Endorsed activities contribute to one or more of the Decade’s ten scientific and societal challenges.
PCF’s Climate Adaptation Toolkit is designed to help coastal communities prepare for the realities of climate change. The project provides accessible information, guidance and learning materials for local authorities, educators and community groups as they plan for coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other long-term environmental pressures.
Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the project will use online learning resources, case studies and engagement sessions to increase understanding of how climate change is already affecting the coastline, and what practical steps communities can take to adapt.
Jetske Germing, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, said: “We’re honoured that the Climate Adaptation Toolkit has been recognised as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade. This endorsement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling coastal challenges, and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient, sustainable coastal communities.”
The endorsement places the toolkit within an international network of projects working towards the UN Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”.
PCF’s involvement adds to Wales’ growing profile in the field of coastal sustainability. The organisation’s wider programme of work includes Marine Renewable Energy, Sustainable Recreation, Education and Skills, Water Quality, and Land Use — all centred on its vision of a sustainable coast and ocean for future generations.
Further information about the UN Ocean Decade can be found on the initiative’s website.
Crime
Youth given conditional discharge for smashing pub windows
A TEENAGER has been handed a conditional discharge after admitting damaging windows at a Pembroke pub last year.
A 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).
The court heard that on April 10, 2024, he damaged several windows at a premises owned by Marston’s PLC, causing £1,002 worth of damage.
He received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation. Magistrates made no order for costs, noting that compensation should take priority.
Crime
Milford Haven man fined for failing to attend drugs assessment
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been fined after admitting failing to attend an initial assessment following a positive Class A drug test.
Mark Brummitt, 45, of Robert Street, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).
The offence took place on September 4 at Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Services in Haverfordwest, where Brummitt failed to attend the required appointment.
He pleaded guilty and was fined £80, with £85 prosecution costs. Magistrates took the guilty plea into account.
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Ferryguy
February 1, 2015 at 8:27 pm
the stablisers have to be taken in before comming into the break water to allow the ferry to turn and to create a more stable journey in shallow water. They also need to be in when comming alongside as they stick out of the ship!
Sally Prendergast
February 1, 2015 at 9:54 pm
I am the Sally mentioned in the article!
I completely understand that the stabilisers must
be brought in for approach- it just happened to
Coincide with a massive gust of wind (60mph according
to the crew) hitting the side as we turned. This wasn’t in the
weather forecast. None of the crew, inuding the
experienced members we spoke to, had seen anything
like it before. The whole episode was alarming but
The crew were very reassuring and accommodating.
Food, drinks and cabins were provided without
question. However I do question the wisdom of setting
out in such poor weather as there was no room for handling
Conditions above and beyond those forecast. Very glad to
be safely home tonight!