News

Boat owner jailed for 15 months following death of two fishermen

Published

7 years ago

August 3, 2017

Eshcol: The boat on which the two fishermen died

THE PEMBROKESHIRE owner of a boat on which two fishermen died of carbon monoxide poisoning has been jailed for 15 months.

Mark Arries, 26, and Edward Ide, 21, were found dead on the fishing vessel Eshcol as it was moored in Whitby harbour, North Yorkshire, in January 2014.

The pair were using a gas cooker to warm the boat overnight as they slept.

Boat owner Timothy Bowman-Davies admitted failing to ensure that the ship was operated safely and that work equipment was maintained efficiently was aware that the crew were using the cooker as a heating source.

But the 44-year-old from Neyland told Leeds Crown Court he did not know the men were using the cooker as a heater.

On Wednesday (Aug 2), Judge Tom Bayliss QC rejected this basis of plea and jailed the defendant for 15 months.

He said: “Two men have died. Those who employ others and whose actions create a risk of harm must take the consequences when harm results, such as here.”

The judge said: “He knew the cooker was being used to heat the vessel. A simple risk assessment would have revealed the danger.”

He also said there appears to have been a ‘general ignorance within the industry’ about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

In victim personal statements read to the court, Mr Arries and Mr Ide were both described by their families as doting young fathers who had fishing in their blood.

Mr Arries’s fiancee, Kim Grieve, explained how one of their two twin daughters had died shortly after her birth just five months before the incident.

She said Mr Arries was a ‘devoted dad’ to his son, who is now eight, and surviving twin daughter.

Ms Grieve said: “I’m heartbroken my soul mate has gone.”

His mother, Tracey Arries, said in her statement that she worried every day about her son out at sea only to see him die while tied up in port.

She said: “It breaks my heart that I lost my boy when something so small as a monitor would have saved his life.”

Mr Ide’s mother, Gail Oliver, said her ‘world fell apart’ with the death ofher son.

His fiancee, Sarah-Louise Tait said he was loving father to their son, now three.

The court heard that Mr Arries, from Blyth, Northumberland, and Mr Ide, from Amble, Northumberland, arrived to work on the boat on January 8, 2014.

They were part of a fleet of three vessels fishing for scallops in the North Sea and had returned from a trip in the early hours of the morning of January 15.

The court heard that Bowman-Davies’s son Jake, who was 15 at the time, was working on one of the other boats and found the bodies of his colleagues.

The 19-year-old said each of the three vessels was provided with a fan heater for warmth and could access power from the engine, a generator or an electric hook-up in the harbour.

He said he offered the two men a power cable after they moored in Whitby but they refused.

Jake Bowman-Davies told the court his father did not know the cooker was being used as a heater on the Eshcol, which contradicted his statements to police.

Judge Bayliss said he believed the teenager’s original version of events, accusing him of lying in court to protect his father.

The court heard how two of the defendant’s other boats were lost after the tragedy with his son skippering.

One sank with the crew having to be rescued by helicopter and the other crashed into rocks when Jake Bowman-Davies fell asleep.

Reports from 2015 described the then 17-year-old as Britain’s youngest fishing boat captain. They said he crashed the vessel in the dark near Milford Haven eight months after the sinking of the other vessel off the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales.

But Jake Bowman-Davies was given a bravery award for saving the lives of his crew during the first incident.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

18 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.