A LARGE-SCALE air and sea search operation is took place off the Fishguard coast following the mysterious disappearance of a man on a solo boating trip.

The search, which began at 3:00pm on Friday (Nov 1), has seen Coastguard helicopters and search vessels combing the area for signs of Chris Ellery, who was last in contact on Wednesday, October 30.

Family members have taken to social media in a desperate plea for assistance in locating Chris, who is known to be an experienced and well-prepared sailor. His daughter, Kenzie Ellery, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, describing her father as “always very prepared” for potential challenges at sea, and expressed deep concern that no communication has been possible since Wednesday.

Dyfed Powys Police said: “We have been involved in a multi-agency search throughout the day for a man reported missing and believed to be in the Fishguard area.”

The police told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “A call was received from colleagues at Avon and Somerset Police at just before 10.20am today (Friday, November 1) requesting assistance in locating the man who was known to be visiting the area on Wednesday, October 30.

“Concerns were raised when he failed to return home yesterday.”

Personal belongings discovered

According to reports, police and Coastguard teams discovered some of Ellery’s belongings on a secluded cove accessible only by boat, intensifying efforts in this remote area. Despite locating personal items, there has been no sign of his boat or any further trace of the missing man himself. Kenzie revealed that her father was due to return home by midday on Thursday, October 31, but contact ceased shortly after he set off on his journey.

Public plea for assistance

Kenzie’s Facebook post included a photo of the small boat her father was last seen on, and she urged local residents along the coastline to stay vigilant and report any unusual sightings immediately. She mentioned that her father had an AirTag device with him, which last signalled in the sea near Fishguard. She noted that friends and family in Bristol have limited ability to assist physically but are sharing the information widely in the hope it reaches those closer to the search area.

In her appeal, Kenzie wrote: “We all need him to be home, and we pray that he is safe. Please share this post—we need him to be safe and home as soon as possible.”

Ongoing rescue efforts

The coastguard operation is expected to continue on Saturday, with helicopters again making repeated passes over the Fishguard coastline and nearby sea. Aviation enthusiasts reported sightings of search aircraft involved in the operation on Friday.

Dyfed Powys Police said that its officers were deployed in the operation, “with land and sea-based searches carried out throughout the day”.

At one point early on Friday evening there were reportedly five RNLI lifeboats involved in the operation, including both in-shore and all-weather vessels.

The FPV (Fisheries Patrol Vessel) Rhodri Morgan and FPV Gwenllian are also in the area but it is unclear if they were also involved in the search, which was postponed due to it getting dark at 7.20pm.

Police and Coastguard authorities are urging residents along the Fishguard coastline to remain alert and report any potential sightings or evidence of the missing boater.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police.

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School. 

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”  

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking.

Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in Hawthorn Rise, faced Swansea Crown Court accused of entering a Pembroke property on August 16 with the intent to steal a mobile phone. Additionally, between September 3 and 19, he allegedly trespassed repeatedly on a woman’s property, made multiple phone calls from an unknown number, and loitered outside her home, causing her significant alarm and distress.

Lepetit denied both charges but accepted responsibility for a lesser stalking offence, which was deemed suitable by Prosecutor Thomas Scapens, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the burglary charge.

Lepetit’s defence, Jon Tarrant, described the circumstances as a result of a “toxic relationship,” stating, “He attempted to reconnect but went beyond acceptable limits.”

Judge Huw Rees ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Lepetit in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 22.