News

New way of operating safeguards Milford Coastguard jobs

Published

10 years ago

February 16, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Big changes: Milford Haven Coastguard

MILFORD HAVEN Coastguard Operations Centre (CGOC) is to become part of the new Coastguard national network for the very first time this week.

Work has been carried out at the search and rescue coordination centre to upgrade the technology and introduce new systems. This means Milford Haven CGOC will be connected to the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) in Hampshire and other Coastguard stations around the country, which will be able to offer mutual support during busy periods.

Post by The Pembrokeshire Herald.

From March 6 Milford Haven CGOC and the new national network will start to take on operations from Swansea Coastguard.

The changes to Her Majesty’s Coastguard will see the NMOC and 10 other CGOCs around the UK work together to manage the workload. There will be no reduction in rescue resources. The availability of Coastguard Rescue Teams, lifeboats, rescue helicopters and other rescue units will be unaffected.

Carl Evans, Maritime Operations Controller at Milford Haven CGOC, said: “The way we deliver the coordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and out at sea is changing. But the public won’t notice any difference. If you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or issue a mayday broadcast, we will still be here to help you.”

VHF FAILURE

deadradio

Last week, questions were raised about the new Maritime and Coastguard Agency communications system last week, after a three hour long VHF failure.

The fault, which affected the area between the English Channel and the Mull of Galloway in Scotland, happened at around 1pm on February 8. It is unclear why the VHF system, which is used to respond to Mayday calls, stopped working. The fault is thought to have originated at the National Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham, Hampshire. The Herald understands that communication was carried out through mobile phones until the fault was resolved.
All stations affected were members of the new Coastguard national network, based at the National Maritime Operations Centre. Milford Haven has joined this network this week, along with ten other coastguard operations centres across the country. Eight coastguard operation centres are set to close.

The Transport Select Committee Chair Louise Ellman has summoned the MCA chief executive to answer questions regarding the incident. ‘My committee has expressed serious concerns over the transition to a new national system,’ she said.
Announcing the new system, Maritime Operations controller for Milford Haven Coastguard Carl Evans said: ‘The way we deliver the coordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and at sea is changing. But the public won’t notice any difference. If you call 999 and ask for the coastguard, or issue a mayday broadcast we will still be there to help you.’

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!