News
Sixteen year old skipper’s heart-break over lost trawler

EXCLUSIVE by Matthew Bearne
THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD has spoken exclusively to the skipper of the a Milford-registered fishing boat, who was dramatically rescued along with the rest of his crew last week.
The Cesca, a 16 metre trawler,sank off north Wales on Thursday (Feb 12).
The vessel ran into difficulties off The Llyn Peninsula, but despite the best efforts of the crew and coastguard, she finally sank at around 2330HRS. The four-man crew, who had abandoned ship, was airlifted off the life-raft in difficult conditions. After a check-up in Bangor hospital, they were released the same night.
Sixteen-year-old Jake Bowman-Davies, the youngest fully-qualified skipper in the British Isles, talked of his efforts to save the boat after she started taking on water on passage from Milford Haven to grounds off Conwy.
He told The Herald: “At ten o’ clock the bilge pumps suddenly started running flat out. I put the auxiliary pumps on and called the coastguard, requesting assistance and pumps. They told me to report the boat’s bearing and position every ten minutes, which we did.”
Skipper Bowman-Davies added: “I aimed the boat at land, so I could beach her as a last resort. We started taking on water fifteen miles out, and we got within four miles of the coast before the helicopter turned up with the pumps. They asked us to alter our course to 210 degrees so they could lower the equipment down to us.”

Sank: The Cesca
“By this point the engine had failed due to the leak, and the boat had reached the point of no recovery, so we told the helicopter crew that we were abandoning ship.’
Jake described jumping off the boat in the dark in force 8 winds as ‘the scariest moment of my life”
“It broke my heart to leave the Cesca. She had been in the family since I was ten. I did everything I could to save her, but at the end of the day the safety of the crew comes first,” he added.
The owner of the Cesca, Jake’s father Timothy Bowman-Davies, praised the Seafish Training scheme. Both Jake and leading hand Nathan Edmundson (23) hold their 16.5 metre skippers’ tickets, and the other crew, Luke Lane and twenty-year-old Dai Crofts, have completed all their mandatory certification.
“What they learned on the Sea Survival Course definitely contributed to their safe recovery. Without this training the outcome could have been disastrous,’ he said, before thanking the rescue services for their ‘speedy response and professionalism.’
‘I’m so relieved to have my son and crew home safely. Without these institutions in place seamen of the United Kingdom would run a far greater risk,” he added.
The cause of the the Cesca’s sinking remains unknown. However, Jake believes that the boat hit a submerged object in the water. “The helicopter crew told me that they could see something sticking out of the side of the boat. However, I don’t think we’ll ever know exactly what happened,” he said.
Crime
Pembroke woman sentenced for drug possession and assault on emergency worker

ALISHA STOKES, 30, of Devon Drive, Pembroke, appeared before magistrates in Haverfordwest this week on a series of charges.
On Saturday, February 22, Stokes was found in possession of 2.4 grams of cannabis in Haverfordwest. She indicated a guilty plea on February 24 and was convicted the same day. The drugs were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed under Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. No separate penalty was imposed, with the guilty plea taken into account.
On the same day, she was also found in possession of 10.49 grams of cocaine. She again indicated a guilty plea and was convicted on February 24. She received a suspended sentence of 24 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Magistrates stated that the offence was so serious that only custody could be justified, but suspended the sentence due to a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. She was also placed under a non-residential drug rehabilitation order with regular reviews and required to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
Stokes further pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker—PC 826 Boorman—by beating her during the same incident on February 22. She was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, also suspended for 18 months, with the court taking into account the fact that the victim was a police officer. She was ordered to pay £50 compensation.
On Tuesday, March 18, she failed to surrender to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, having been released on bail. A charge relating to that incident was withdrawn, but in a subsequent court appearance on March 27, she admitted to the same offence and received no separate penalty.
On March 11, Stokes also stole lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock. She pleaded guilty and was given no separate penalty.
A placeholder offence was also listed for record-keeping purposes relating to her arrest on a warrant issued for failing to appear in court.
Business
£20m investment to unlock Cardiff Airport’s potential and drive South Wales growth

THE WELSH Government has confirmed the first phase of a major new investment package for Cardiff Airport, pledging £20 million to boost economic development and secure the long-term future of the site.
The funding marks the beginning of a ten-year programme designed to harness the airport’s capacity as a strategic asset for Wales. The scheme is expected to drive further growth across the South Wales region and create new opportunities in aviation, logistics, and employment.
Announcing the investment on Wednesday (Apr 2), Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, said the Welsh Government had completed due diligence on the proposals, including a review by the Competition and Markets Authority.
Ms Evans said: “We remain committed to the growth of this essential economic infrastructure, which currently generates over £200 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually and supports thousands of jobs in the South Wales region.”
Plans under the investment include potential development of aircraft maintenance facilities, improved cargo handling capabilities, and support for general aviation. Some of the funding will also be used to explore new air routes, with an emphasis on improving connectivity and Wales’ presence in global markets.
The £20 million commitment follows a previous announcement in July 2024, where the Welsh Government outlined its ambition to make Cardiff Airport a catalyst for economic expansion in Wales. This latest funding, according to Ms Evans, will help the region realise that vision and support a “vibrant and outward-facing” national economy.
Officials will monitor the impact of the funding throughout the ten-year period, with performance reviews planned and a focus on minimising subsidies while delivering value for money.
A record of the financial award will be published on the UK subsidy transparency database.
However, the decision has sparked criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who renewed their call for the airport to be sold to the private sector.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Peter Fox MS, said: “The Labour Government’s decision to inject the first £20 million of a planned £200 million into Cardiff Airport will bring the total amount of Welsh taxpayer money invested to over £200 million.
“Cardiff Airport is a financial burden on the Labour Welsh Government and Welsh taxpayers, and it is time for Labour to finally do the right thing and sell the airport to the private sector.
“Ministers in Cardiff Bay lack the essential expertise to manage an airport. That is why an experienced corporation in the private sector, with proven industry knowledge, would be better placed to ensure the airport not only survives but thrives.”
The Herald understands that further investment decisions will be made as the programme progresses, depending on the outcomes and economic impact of the initial phase.
Entertainment
Top Welsh acts to perform at Fel ‘Na Mai Festival in Crymych

ONE of Wales’ most anticipated music festivals is returning to Crymych next month – with a packed line-up of top Welsh talent already confirmed.
The Fel ‘Na Mai Festival will take place on Saturday (May 3) at the Frenni Transport site in Parc Gwynfryn Estate, marking its fourth year of bringing live music and family-friendly fun to the Preseli area.

Organisers say this year’s programme is one of the strongest to date, with a wide range of acts spanning folk, rock, psychedelic and contemporary music set to appear across two main stages.
The Foel Drigarn Stage will run from 1:15pm until late, opening with performances from the choirs of Ysgol Bro Preseli and Ysgol Cilgerran. They will be followed by Dewin, winners of the Best Group category at the 2025 Ail Symudiad Awards.
Festival newcomers Taran, an energetic folk rock group, will make their debut before heavy rock band Mattoidz take over the stage. Mali Haf, known for her vibrant and charming performances, will also appear.
As dusk falls, popular singer-songwriter Meinir Gwilym and her band will perform, followed by the much-requested return of Gwilym. The night will conclude with a headline set by Yws Gwynedd and his band.
The Y Frenni Fawr Stage, running from 1:35pm to 7:10pm, offers an equally strong line-up. Côr Rocesi’r Fro, led by Einir Dafydd, will open the stage before a set by Llandjango, inspired by the sounds of Django Reinhardt.

Danny Sioned, winner of the Individual Prize at the Ail Symudiad Awards, will take to the stage, followed by a performance from retired rocker Cleif Harpwood, who will revisit some favourites from the 1970s. Rising contemporary group Lavant and psychedelic rock band Pys Melyn from Pen Llŷn will round off the programme.
Both stages will be hosted by local presenter and musician Mari Grug.
In addition to live music, organisers say the festival is a day out for the whole family, with a dedicated children’s area offering a range of activities for younger visitors.
A licensed bar will be provided in partnership with Crymych Rugby Club, and this year sees the introduction of a new gin bar from In The Welsh Wind. Local food vendors will also be on site throughout the day.
Parking is available at the Frenni Transport site and nearby locations within the Parc Gwynfryn estate. Facilities are also in place for those wishing to camp or stay in motorhomes during the event.
Tickets are reported to be selling fast. For more information or to book, visit: felnamai.cymru

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Wullie B
February 16, 2015 at 7:57 pm
How can a 16 year old hold the Under 16.5 skippers ticket when it was a pre requisite to have TWO years full time experience at sea, how do I know this, I sat the ticket four years ago and it was the first thing we were asked was our sea time. Fair do\’s the lad had the qualification, but he didn\’t have the experience
Elliott
February 17, 2015 at 12:41 am
As his father owned the boat he has probably been at sea for enough of the hours required, when I took my sea survival there was a young lad of 13 on the course going to work his fathers boat.
Denise
February 18, 2015 at 3:07 pm
I represent Seafish and would like to clarify this point.
Jake Bowman-Davies has completed all the required training for the Skipper’s Certificate(which is brilliant), but he is not eligible for a Seafish Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate until he can evidence a minimum two years’ experience as a full-time commercial fisherman (since leaving school). This effectively rules out anyone under 18 years of age.
I can confirm that we have not issued Jake with a Seafish Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate.
It is also worth pointing out that there is no (legal) requirement for skippers of commercial fishing vessels less than 16.5m to be qualified or have completed any training other than basic safety training. Whether this is right or not is another debate. Personally, we believe all Skipper’s should be fully qualified.
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