News

Major rescue operation as yacht runs aground off Gateholm Island

Published

7 years ago

February 25, 2019

A MULTI AGENCY rescue operation took place this morning after a yacht ran aground off Gateholm Island.

Angle Lifeboat, Little Haven Lifeboat were launched to aid the stricken vessel. On land, Broad Haven Coastguards and Dale Coastguards were dispatched to the scene to prepare an impromptu helicopter landing zone for the Coastguard chopper Rescue 187.

The rescue operation was co-ordinated by the Coastguard HQ in Milford Haven.

A statement on Dale Coastguard Facebook page said: “Casualty was successfully winched aboard helicopter and transferred to our care at the helicopter landing site.

A spokesperson from the Coastguard agency said: “A skipper wearing a life-jacket has been rescued by the St Athan Coastguard helicopter after jumping onto nearby rocks when his yacht sank earlier today.

“Just after 8am today HM Coastguard received a VHF Mayday broadcast on Channel 16 from the skipper of the 31ft yacht suffered engine failure and hit rocks outside Gateholm, near Milford Haven.

“HM Coastguard immediately issued a Mayday relay broadcast in the area requesting assistance from other vessels in the area.

“The skipper, who was wearing all the right kit including a life-jacket, managed to clamber onto nearby rocks just before his yacht sank.

“Angle Lifeboat RNLI, Little & Broad Haven Lifeboat, HM Coastguard Dale, Broad Haven and St Govans Coastguard Rescue Teams were all sent to assist, along with the St Athan Coastguard helicopter. The skipper was winched to safety by Coastguard helicopter and placed on the cliff top into the care of Coastguard Rescue Teams on scene. Thankfully, despite his ordeal he was uninjured and required no medical treatment.

Robert James, from HM Coastguard told The Herald: “Thankfully, the skipper was wearing all the appropriate safety gear including a lifejacket, which no doubt would have aided his survival should the worst have happened and he ended up in the water. He was also able to raise the alarm on the VHF radio which enabled us to send help very quickly to him.

“Remember, if you’re going out on the water, make sure that you take a good method of communication with you. On a boat a VHF DSC radio is ideal, and a mobile phone in a sealed plastic bag is a good back up. Call 999 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency at sea, and of course wear your life-jacket. This could have been a very different outcome today had he not been wearing his lifejacket and we commend his actions, which have assisted in saving his life.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.