News

Four rescued as Milford Haven fishing boat sinks

Published

11 years ago

February 13, 2015

Tom Sinclair

All hands saved: The Cesca

Praised: Skipper Jake Bowman-Davies

A DRAMATIC rescue operation unfolded last night (Feb 12), as a Milford Haven based fishing boat sank off the north Wales coast.

An RAF helicopter and a lifeboat were called on to rescue four men after

The Cesca got into difficulties off the Llyn peninsula.

The Herald understands that the boat got into difficulties after she started to take on water. After attempts were made to stop the leak, the captain, Jake Bowman-Davies, took the decision to abandon ship, and a distress call was made to HM Coastguard at 10.20pm.
cesca3 The four-man crew was airlifted from the boat’s life raft to Bangor hospital, but later released.

The Herald has learned that the sixteen-year-old skipper of the vessel was praised by rescuers for his handling of the situation, which led to all hands being saved.

A coastguard spokesperson told The Herald: “Holyhead Coastguard coordinated the rescue of 4 fishermen last night after their vessel started taking on water at the start of its fishing trip.”

“Yesterday the fishing vessel ‘Cesca’ reported that it was on route from Milford to Conwy and was taking on water. The crew were using pumps to try and keep the level on water down but they weren’t able to keep up with the flow. As the situation was getting worse they called the Coastguard for assistance.”

RAF_Rescue_Helicopter “The RAF search and rescue helicopter based at RAF Valley was sent to the scene. Whilst trying to drop more pumps on the fishing vessel the ‘Cesca’s’ engines stopped and the Captain made the decision to abandon ship. The crew were winched by the helicopter and taken to safety.”

HM Coastguard Robert Bowyer said: “It’s often a difficult judgement call for any Captain to call for assistance and even more difficult to leave his vessel, which is his livelihood. By calling for assistance when he did the Captain of the ‘Cesca’ gave the rescue services time to get on scene and try and save his vessel. Although they did have to abandon ship he and his crew are safe and well this morning.”

Flt Lt Al Conner of RAF Valley told the said: “We went with the intention of delivering a pump to help them pump out but all four had abandoned to the liferaft. Flt Sgt Neil Cooper and winch operator Mike Bosier-Wyles got the men aboard, while pilot Wg Cmdr ‘Sparky’ Dunlop kept her steady, and we took them to hospital in Bangor. All the men were ok, although they were cold and wet.”

The cause of the vessel’s sinking remains unknown.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.