News

Shark catch may be biggest ever in Welsh waters

Published

8 years ago

July 19, 2018

A LLANELLI fisherman had a day to remember on a recent angling trip – landing a massive 21 stone shark.

George Simmonds was on a charter trip fishing out of Dale, Pembrokeshire, when he hooked the enormous thresher shark – thought to be the biggest ever caught in Welsh waters

It took him two hours to land the shark, and three men were needed to lift it onto the boat, where its weight was calculated before it was released alive.

Only three thresher sharks are believed to have been caught in Wales, with the previous record set in 2015 by Mr Simmonds’ friend, David Thomas – also in waters off Milford Haven.

The pair were together on the latest fishing expedition on Wednesday morning when they saw a pair of thresher sharks leaping from the water, before Mr Simmonds’ reel started to spin. The shark ran off around 300m of line, and was finally landed after over two hours.

“It was pretty hard and when I saw it, let’s just say I said a few choice adjectives,” he said.

“I’ve been fishing since I was young enough to hold a fishing rod and I’ve travelled all over the world fishing – but this was a big moment, a personal achievement for me.

“It’s so rare and difficult to land a thresher shark as they are so large. In the shark world, it’s up there at the top of the list.”

Thresher sharks get their name from their long tail, which is often as long as their body. The sharks are active predators, and are commonly found along the North American and Asian continental shelves.

Meirion Williams, from Bridgend – who is known as Pie – organises regular shark fishing trips in the summer months off the Pembrokeshire coast and was with Mr Simmonds and others when they made the catch.

He said records showed it was only the third thresher shark caught off the coast and they believed it was a the largest and heaviest – but they are unable to claim an official record because they did not kill their catch.

“It was so big it got caught in the hatch door of the boat as we tried to get it on board,” he said.

“The body was 6ft 8in long and the tail was 6ft – it was the length of the boat.

“We put the shark back quickly and then it swam off really calmly.

“These sharks are very, very rare to see in Wales and so hard to catch.”

Andy Truelove, the skipper of the boat, added: “As with any shark there is a risk of being bitten and it does happen – never seen an incident myself and wouldn’t want to, teeth are like razor blades.

“With a thresher there is also a risk from the tail, it could do you a lot of damage. Fortunately this lady was well behaved.”

Research published this week showed that Pembrokeshire was one of the top five places in the country for spotting different species of shark, with more predicted to move into the waters around the coast as a result of rising sea temperatures over the next 30 years.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

4 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

4 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

4 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.