A VESSEL found drifting off the coast of north Pembrokeshire prompted a rescue response yesterday morning (Feb 28).

The unmanned small tender was spotted off Aberfforest, leading to a call-out for coastguard teams from Moylegrove and Fishguard at 8:58am. Fishguard’s inshore lifeboat was also launched to assist.

A local fishing boat managed to secure the drifting tender before the lifeboat towed it into Newport Parrog. Coastguard teams later carried the vessel to a nearby boat club, where checks confirmed the owner was safe and not in danger.

After passing details to Milford Haven operations staff, the emergency teams were stood down.

A DISGRACED former train manager has been sentenced to seven years in prison after sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman on a Great Western Railway (GWR) service.

Nicholas McMurray, 38, from Swansea, was convicted at Swansea Crown Court of sexual assault and assault by penetration following the incident in June 2024.

The attack took place as the train neared Swansea, with McMurray targeting the victim under the pretense of checking her ticket. According to British Transport Police (BTP), he manipulated the woman’s clothing before assaulting her while she was on a phone call.

After the train arrived at its destination, the woman immediately reported the attack to officers at the station. McMurray was swiftly arrested while still beside the stationary train.

During questioning, he falsely claimed the victim had attempted to kiss him and that he had pushed her away, BTP said. However, the court rejected his defense, finding him guilty on all charges.

McMurray was promptly suspended from his role and has since been dismissed by GWR. In addition to his prison term, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

ST DAVIDS, Pembrokeshire, marked St David’s Day on Saturday (Mar 1) with a day of celebrations, including the annual Dragon Parade, a special exhibition honouring the city’s residents, and a message from the Prince of Wales delivered partly in Welsh.

First Minister Eluned Morgan led the Dragon Parade, organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which saw local schoolchildren and community members marching through the historic city. Many dressed as dragons and daffodils to honour Wales’ patron saint, who is believed to have been born near St Davids at St Non’s. The parade was one of several held across the country, but the one in Pembrokeshire was particularly significant, taking place in the heart of St David’s heritage.

Meanwhile, at St Davids Cathedral, a special concert by The Band of the Prince of Wales featured traditional Welsh marches, hymns, and anthems. Visitors also attended a Eucharist by the Shrine of St David and a blessing at St Non’s Holy Well, an important religious site associated with the saint’s mother. A pilgrimage then led participants to Oriel y Parc before a final blessing at the Old Cross.

Adding to the significance of the day, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, delivered his first-ever public message in Welsh, celebrating the country’s history, culture, and people. His message, recorded for social media, marked a personal step in his efforts to connect with Wales. While he has been learning some conversational Welsh, he has not undertaken formal lessons like his father, King Charles, who studied Welsh at Aberystwyth University before his investiture in 1969.

“Today, on St David’s Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people,” the prince said in his video. “From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will celebrate everything that is magical about Wales.”

In addition to the festivities, the City of Portraits exhibition by Grahame Hurd-Wood opened, displaying portraits of more than 1,000 residents of St Davids. The artist has spent a decade working on the project, aiming to paint every one of the city’s 1,800 residents. The exhibition, held at the Pierhead Futures Gallery in Cardiff, runs until April 12.

Local businesses, including The Bishops pub, also joined in the celebrations, offering traditional Welsh food and drinks. Visitors and locals alike embraced the opportunity to enjoy cawl, bara brith, and Welsh cakes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

St Davids, despite being the UK’s smallest city, continues to play a central role in celebrating Wales’ patron saint, with its annual events drawing visitors from across the country.

(Pictures from Church in Wales and Eluned Morgan)