News

Fishguard: Town’s lifeboat in Christmas Day rescue drama

Published

9 years ago

December 26, 2015

Fishguard all-weather lifeboat

A PAGER alarm call brought an abrupt end to Christmas Day celebrations for several of Fishguard RNLI’s crew members. A yacht en-passage from Porthmadog to Cardiff had made VHF radio contact with HM Coastguard requesting urgent assistance.

The 30-foot yacht ‘Sheena‘ was failing to make any headway on its route south as it battled the very demanding sea conditions. The two yachtsmen aboard – and their dog – were becoming overwhelmed as daylight failed and winds they were heading into began to strengthen.

Fishguard RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.00pm with a full complement of volunteer crew after the Coastguard’s request to do so and sped to the yachts reported position some 35 miles north-north-east of Fishguard. Once on scene attempts were made to attach a towline but the dark and appalling conditions rendered this impossible as the two yachtsmen were incapacitated and unable to assist the lifeboat crew.

Brave volunteer crewman Ben John, the hero of the day, was then skillfully transferred onto the yacht and managed to establish the towline onto the bow of the heaving yacht and the lifeboat then commenced the demanding tow towards the coast in the hope of obtaining a degree of shelter from the worsening conditions.

At the time, now nearing 8.00pm, the seas were very rough with 50 knot wind strengths being recorded. The stricken yacht began to take on water and the decision was made by the lifeboat’s Coxswain Paul Butler to head for Newquay harbour. Newquay RNLI were contacted by HM Coastguard and their in-shore lifeboat came out to rendezvous with the Fishguard lifeboat and in the more sheltered waters of the harbour the yacht was able to make its own way to a safe anchorage under Newquay RNLI’s escort. Once all was well the Fishguard lifeboat headed out to sea once again and pounded its way back home, arriving at 11.00pm.

Coxswain Paul Butler had nothing but praise for his crew. He told The Herald: ‘I am very proud of the dedication shown by our crew this Christmas. They left family, hearth and home at this special time of the year and were all willing to head into the middle of Cardigan Bay, in failing light and rough sea conditions, to go to the assistance of two yachtsmen in danger. The crew train and train, week after week, and never fail to come up with the goods when required. This Christmas Day they were exceptional in very demanding conditions. I would also like to convey our thanks to our Newquay colleagues for their invaluable assistance and support.’

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.