ANYONE watching the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway on Saturday morning (March 22) might have thought a serious maritime emergency was unfolding — but the presence of three RNLI Tamar class lifeboats was, in fact, part of a major pre-planned training exercise.

The dramatic display saw all-weather lifeboats from Tenby, Angle, and St Davids RNLI stations working together in challenging conditions, simulating a complex rescue scenario. The exercise was coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard and centred around a mock emergency in which a person had reportedly fallen overboard from a vessel in the area.

Observers saw the three 25-knot-capable Tamar lifeboats manoeuvring in tight formation and conducting detailed search patterns as they combed the sea for the “casualty” — all while accounting for strong tidal currents, wind, and the busy marine traffic of one of the UK’s key ports.

The drill was designed not only to test individual crew skills but also to enhance inter-station cooperation in the kind of multi-agency emergency that could happen at any time along the Pembrokeshire coast.

The casualty was ultimately located and retrieved by the Tenby lifeboat crew, marking a successful conclusion to the scenario. Once the operation was complete, the three crews met up on the water to debrief and review the exercise before returning to their respective stations.

A spokesperson for Tenby RNLI said: “This exercise was a great chance to put into practice all of our hard work and training. It was a large and complex exercise, which involved searching for a casualty in the water, but had the added pressure of being on the approaches to a busy waterway. The crews all performed really well, locating the casualty and bringing it aboard safely. We’d like to thank St Davids and Angle crews and also Milford Haven Coastguard for coordinating and overseeing the exercise.”

Tamar class lifeboats, introduced into RNLI service in 2005, are among the most advanced in the charity’s fleet, equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems and capable of operating in the worst sea conditions. Seeing three of them in close operation is a rare and impressive sight — one that this weekend served as a powerful reminder of the RNLI’s dedication.

The RNLI and why training is vital

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charitable organisation dedicated to saving lives at sea across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Established in 1824, the RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations and provides a 24-hour search and rescue service using both all-weather and inshore lifeboats. The charity also delivers beach lifeguard services and works to promote water safety education in communities around the coast.

What makes the RNLI particularly remarkable is that the majority of its lifeboat crew members are volunteers. These individuals come from all walks of life—fishermen, mechanics, teachers, and office workers—who drop everything when their pagers go off, often heading out into the most challenging conditions imaginable. They commit to rigorous training, regular assessments, and ongoing drills to maintain the skills needed to respond quickly, effectively, and safely to emergencies at sea.

Training is not only essential for individual crew members, but it also plays a vital role in ensuring that multiple lifeboats and agencies can operate together smoothly during major incidents. Multi-agency rescues often involve coordination between RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard, helicopters, and sometimes other emergency services. These operations can be logistically complex and take place in dangerous, fast-changing environments. Exercises like the one held off Milford Haven allow teams to test communication, refine search strategies, and build the confidence and trust required to perform seamlessly when real lives are at stake.

Activists launch Westminster lobbying drive amid growing cross-party concern

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a proposed US-linked radar installation in Pembrokeshire have stepped up their efforts by launching a UK-wide lobbying campaign targeting all 650 Members of Parliament.

The group PARC Against DARC, which is leading opposition to the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project at the former RAF Brawdy base, has begun hand-delivering information packs and personalised letters to every MP at Westminster. The move is intended to raise awareness of the project’s potential impact and encourage political support for its cancellation.

The campaign is also calling on local MP Henry Tufnell to clarify his position on the radar proposal, which they describe as “deeply unpopular and destabilising.”

Early Day Motion calls for withdrawal

The Westminster push follows the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) by Liz Saville Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru’s defence spokesperson, on Tuesday (Mar 19). The motion, titled “975 DARC in Wales,” raises concerns about the visual and ecological impact of the proposed radar array, potential health risks from radiofrequency emissions, and its implications for international law under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The EDM also warns of the potential for increased space debris and the militarisation of space, concluding with a call for the UK Government to withdraw the planning application for the site in Pembrokeshire—or any alternative location in the UK.

The Herald understands that the motion has gained swift cross-party support, including from Green MP Siân Berry, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Helen Maguire, and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “At a time when the United States is becoming a less reliable defence partner, we must question whether we want to further entangle Wales in US foreign policy through DARC and the AUKUS Treaty. The Ministry of Defence must also address local residents’ concerns regarding high levels of radiofrequency signals.”

Calls for local representation

Campaigners say that, despite repeated outreach, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has not made any public comment on the DARC proposal. A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: “We, and many members of the public, have contacted Henry Tufnell MP on numerous occasions. We invited him to table this EDM and have not even received a reply.

“There is a growing sense of a political vacuum in West Wales, where our elected representatives are simply refusing to speak out on hugely important issues.”

The group accuses both Labour and Conservative MPs of avoiding the issue, alleging pressure from party leadership in Westminster. Mr Tufnell was approached for comment.

Broader political and public support

A similar Statement of Opinion has already been tabled in the Senedd by Cefin Campbell MS, attracting support from nearly a third of Members, including Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Liberal Democrats.

Supporters of the campaign argue that the installation of 27 radar dishes on the St Davids peninsula—an area known for its scenic beauty and tourism industry—would cause irreparable damage to the landscape and place Pembrokeshire at the centre of future global military conflicts.

They also claim that the proposed system would support military priorities under the AUKUS treaty and a possible second Trump administration, giving the United States greater control over space-based assets.

Concerns have also been raised about the long-term implications for UK foreign policy, national security, and the future role of Wales in international defence infrastructure. Campaigners say that hosting such a major facility could compromise the UK’s commitment to peaceful space exploration and weaken local democratic oversight.

Momentum continues to build

PARC Against DARC says public engagement has reached unprecedented levels, with over 17,000 people signing a petition and more than 40,000 leaflets distributed locally. The group has also been featured in over 100 media articles and held several well-attended public meetings.

A spokesperson for the group said: “With support growing across party lines both in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, the momentum is now unstoppable. We are urging everyone concerned about this project to contact their MPs and MSs. This campaign is not just about Pembrokeshire—it’s about the future of our country’s landscape, safety and sovereignty.”

Campaigners also point to historical precedent. A similar US radar proposal in the 1990s for the same site was ultimately abandoned after facing significant public and political opposition. Local activists believe that the same result can be achieved again, provided pressure continues to mount on decision-makers at every level of government.

The campaign encourages members of the public to visit their website and use a lobbying tool to write to their elected representatives.

AN INTERNATIONAL art exhibition showcasing works from across the globe has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

The Wales Contemporary / Cymru Gyfoes exhibition, which began on Thursday (Mar 21), features two- and three-dimensional pieces from artists around the world and across Wales. Now in its fifth year, the exhibition is sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven and offers a total prize fund of £15,000.

Founded by the Waterfront Gallery in 2019, the Wales Contemporary has grown into a major cultural event. The exhibition first opened last month at the Garrison Chapel at Chelsea Barracks in London, where initial prize winners were announced. It has now transferred to Milford Haven, where visitors will have the chance to vote for the Welsh Public Choice Prize. The winning artist will receive £1,000, with the result announced at a closing event on Sunday, May 17.

This year’s competition attracted over 1,600 entries from more than 800 artists, covering painting, sculpture, drawing, print, ceramics, textiles and glass. Judging was carried out by a panel including painter Ian ‘H’ Watkins, artist Kelvin Okafor and printmaker Katherine Jones RA. Prizes were awarded for two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, as well as specific awards for Welsh and Pembrokeshire artists. Dana Finch won the Graham Sutherland Prize for her oil painting ‘Swoop’.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Wales Contemporary exhibition for the fifth year and celebrate our longstanding support of the Waterfront Gallery, to bring world-class artwork to Milford Haven.

“This year’s exhibition is stunning, and we hope the entries continue to inspire local artists – or aspiring artists – to immerse themselves in the culture and creativity on display.

“Congratulations to all the extremely worthy winners so far. We encourage everyone in Pembrokeshire and southwest Wales to come to Milford Waterfront to see these pieces, and make the most of an amazing opportunity to experience world-class art.”

The exhibition is open at the Waterfront Gallery until Sunday, May 17, with free entry. Opening hours are 10:30am to 4:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

More information is available at: www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk