AN INVSTIGATION has been published into a fire that broke out in the engine room of the roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Stena Europe while it was approaching Fishguard, Wales, on 11 February 2023.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released its findings on Thursday (Dec 12), detailing the causes and consequences of the incident, which occurred during the vessel’s voyage from Rosslare, Ireland, to Fishguard.

The fire started at 9:15pm when pressurised fuel from a loose fuel pipe connection sprayed onto a high-temperature exhaust pipe, igniting a blaze. The engine room sustained significant damage, but there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew, and no environmental harm was caused.

The fire was extinguished by the crew.

SAFETY FAILURES IDENTIFIED

The investigation revealed several safety issues:

• The protections designed to prevent fuel fires, such as spray shielding on fuel pipes and insulation of hot surfaces, were ineffective.
• Weaknesses in the original fuel pipe connections had been flagged previously, but modifications recommended by the engine manufacturer were not implemented.
• Crew members lacked adequate training to inspect engine fuel systems thoroughly.
• The temperature monitoring equipment used to check exhaust insulation failed to detect potential hot spots.

RECOMMENDATIONS ISSUED

The MAIB made recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents. These included:

• The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) should propose to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the introduction of mandatory thermographic equipment to identify exposed high-temperature surfaces.
• Stena Line Ltd was advised to review its defect reporting system, enhance crew training for equipment inspections, and equip its fleet with thermal imaging cameras to detect risks more effectively.

Details of the accident have also been shared with other vessels in the Stena Line fleet as part of safety improvements.

The full report, Accident Investigation Report 20/2024, is available on the MAIB’s website.

MILFORD HAVEN YOUTH COUNCIL, in partnership with Milford Haven Youth Centre, hosted a Christmas dinner to be enjoyed by local pensioners last week.

On December 6, Milford Haven Youth Centre was the venue for the event, which was the idea of the youth council.

The youth council members wanted to support their community and successfully applied for funding from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank and Milford Haven Town Council.

In light of the current financial difficulties and the growing loneliness among many individuals, the young people recognised the urgent need to kick off the Christmas season on a positive note. They delivered an event that the community could genuinely look forward to.

Forty pensioners came along for a delightful two-course meal, which the young people prepared from scratch, followed by lively games of bingo.

PCSO Rachel O’Neil said: “The Youth Council are a credit to Milford Haven. It was lovely to see young and old mixing and laughing, community spirit at its finest.”

Gareth Price a member of the community added: “I have had a great day, it was so lovely to meet new friends.”

Nadine Farmer, Children and Young People’s Rights Officer, asserted her pride in the group, stating: “I couldn’t be more proud of the team that planned this event from start to finish. They identified a critical need in the community and took decisive action. This clearly demonstrates that young people play a crucial role as active citizens and are committed to making a significant difference.”

The youth council would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Lord Nelson Hotel, Dillys Chocolate, Redefined by Anna, Broadway Garage and Spinnaker Café for their generous contributions of bingo prizes. Thanks also to Pembrokeshire Youth ASB Youth Worker and PCSO Rachel O’Neil for their help on the day.

Pictured: Milford Haven Youth Council members started Christmas celebrations with the local community.

A SIGNIFICANT milestone in Pembrokeshire’s A40 improvement scheme is set to be reached this week, with the opening of a major section of the upgraded road.

The ambitious project to enhance the county’s main transport artery is expected to be completed by March 2025, according to the latest updates. Recent traffic management at the Penblewin roundabout has paved the way for the opening of a westward stretch of nearly two kilometres on Wednesday (Dec 18). This new section will take vehicles under the Redstone Bridge and on to Jacobs Park near Narberth, the final point in the improvement scheme.

Temporary speed restrictions
While the new section will open to traffic, a 30mph speed limit will remain in place until the entire project is complete. Once fully operational, the speed limit will increase to 60mph.

The project’s total cost is yet to be confirmed, although the Welsh Government currently estimates it at £60 million, including £45 million of EU funding. The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the Welsh Government by contractors Griffiths.

A spokesperson for Griffiths expressed gratitude to those impacted by the work, saying:
“We would like to thank local residents, businesses, and road users for their ongoing understanding throughout the project.”

Environmental considerations
Finishing touches along the route include planting British native species of trees and wildflowers, with green sleeves protecting the saplings east of Redstone Bridge.

Key dates:

• Wednesday, December 18:
  • Opening of the section from Penblewin Roundabout, under Redstone Bridge, to Jacobs Park.
  • Partial opening of Bethel Roundabout, with eastbound traffic redirected to the new roundabout leading to Pengawse Hill. Westbound traffic will follow the existing route to Llanddewi Velfrey.
• Thursday, December 19:
  • Opening of Henllan Lane and the section from Henllan Lodge through to Penblewin Roundabout.
• Week beginning February 17, 2025:
  • Increased opening of Bethel Roundabout to accommodate east and westbound traffic.
• Week beginning February 25, 2025:
  • Opening of Llanfallteg Bridge.
• End of March 2025:
  • Full project completion, including the long-anticipated bypass around the village of Llanddewi Velfrey.

This major upgrade promises to significantly improve transport links across Pembrokeshire, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

(Images: Griffiths Contractors)