News

Tenby: Praise for harbour team as yacht sinks

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2019

THE TENBY Harbourmaster and his assistant have been praised for the help they gave the crew of a sinking yacht over the weekend.

Chris Salisbury and his assistant, Jack Oliver, worked long hours in a bid to save the vessel and prevent a pollution incident in Tenby harbour.

The Zest, with a two-man crew from Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, was moored to the harbour wall when it began sinking on Saturday morning’s incoming tide.

“When we arrived on the scene shortly before 8.30 the vessel was taking in water fast” explained Chris. “We began removing all 50 litres of fuel, set up a salvage pump and arranged for an oil pollution kit to be stationed.”

Unfortunately the ingress of water was more than the pump could handle and shortly afterwards the Zest was under water, despite attempts to effect short-term repairs.

Chris and Jack returned later that night to secure the Zest and advised other boat owners to move their vessels.

The next day they contacted Dale Sailing and Davies Crane Hire and on Monday the yacht was removed onto a barge and taken to Neyland.

Their response drew thanks from the Zest’s owner, Ian Aitken of Barry.

“I have told Chris and Jack how grateful I am. Their calm response and hard work made a horrid stressful day much better than it could have been.”

There was also praise from Tenby County Councillor Michael Williams, himself a member of the town’s seafaring community.

Said Councillor Williams: “They went about their duties in an exemplary way preventing what could have been a considerable pollution event. They also secured the vessel and assisted the owners who were in a state of considerable shock.

“They went well beyond what could be reasonably expected of them and are wonderful ambassadors for Tenby harbour and Pembrokeshire County Council.”

Chris Salisbury said he was grateful to surveyor Ben Sutcliffe, Dale Sailing and Davies Crane Hire of Milford Haven for their quick response.

He added: “We have always been very fortunate in Tenby harbour that the local community, boat owners and the RNLI always pull together and will help out anyone in distress.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.