SOLO SAILOR HELPED TO SAFETY BY COASTGUARD CREWS

FISHGUARD RNLI volunteers were paged on Saturday evening (May 9) after a 26ft yacht broke free from its mooring and ran aground near Fishguard Lower Town quay.

The charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson, was launched at 7:56pm following a request from HM Coastguard.

Information received was that the yacht, with one person on board, had grounded on the seaward side of the quay.

When the lifeboat arrived, the helm assessed the situation and sea conditions. Swells were lifting the yacht before dropping it back onto rocks below the surface.

Because of the yacht’s position and the weather conditions, it was decided that the safest way to assist the sailor was from the shore. Fishguard Coastguard officers, who were already on the quay side, helped the casualty from the vessel and back up the steps on the quay wall.

The lifeboat remained on standby while coastguard crews assessed the situation. During that time, the helm kept the inshore lifeboat facing into the conditions to ensure the safety of those on board.

Once it was confirmed that the sailor, members of the public and coastguard officers were safely away from the water, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

‘Not viable to tow’

Fishguard RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Cedwyn Rogers said: “Fishguard’s volunteer crew responded to a request from HM Coastguard to attend a yacht with one person on board that was being pushed onto rocks by the weather.

“Once on scene, the helm made an assessment and it was determined that, given the proximity to the quay and accessibility of the casualty vessel from shore, the most appropriate way in which to preserve life was for the casualty to be assisted from the yacht by coastguards.

“With the vessel already aground and the nature of the surf due to the northerly winds, it was not viable to attempt a tow without presenting further unnecessary risks to the lifeboat crew and casualty.

“Once a vessel has grounded, the structural integrity and stability of a vessel is unknown, and to tow it off could compromise that further. In these situations, other means of assisting a casualty will be utilised.

“With the casualty sailor safe with HM Coastguard and no further persons near the water’s edge, the lifeboat returned to station.”

The RNLI added that anyone who is in trouble at sea, or who believes someone else may be in difficulty, should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Pic: RNLI/Rhodri Pugh-Dungey.

WEST WALES cheesemaker Caws Cenarth is celebrating a successful first few months in Tesco stores after its artisan cheeses were launched into the retailer’s Grab and Go range.

The award-winning family business, based in Carmarthenshire, says strong customer demand has followed the launch in selected large Tesco stores across Wales.

The range includes Thelma’s Original Caerffili PGI, Perl Wen, Cenarth Brie and Perl Las, which have proved popular with shoppers looking for high-quality Welsh produce in a convenient format.

Business growth

The success has marked a significant step forward for Caws Cenarth, which has expanded its team and appointed Paul Garnish as Commercial Director to support continued growth.

He will work on strengthening retail partnerships, identifying new opportunities and building on the momentum created by the Tesco launch.

Founded in West Wales, Caws Cenarth has built a reputation for producing artisan cheeses using locally sourced milk and traditional cheesemaking techniques.

The company says the Tesco partnership reflects growing appetite among customers for premium Welsh produce that combines quality, convenience and strong local provenance.

Tesco praise

Tesco Wales buyer Nathan Edwards said: “We’re delighted to see Caws Cenarth go from strength to strength with their artisan cheeses in our Grab and Go range.

“Customers are increasingly looking for high-quality, locally sourced options, and this success is a fantastic example of how Welsh suppliers like Caws Cenarth are meeting these needs.

“Caws Cenarth’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality really stands out, and we’re proud to support their continued growth.”

‘Just the beginning’

Caws Cenarth Managing Director Carwyn Adams said: “We’re absolutely delighted with how our cheeses have been received by Tesco customers.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see more people enjoying what we do, especially as a family business rooted in West Wales.

“We’ve always believed in making cheese the right way – with care, quality ingredients and respect for tradition – and it’s exciting to be able to share that with a wider audience.

“This is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum.”

The partnership forms part of Tesco’s wider commitment to supporting local suppliers and bringing regional produce to customers across the UK.

LANDLORDS in Pembrokeshire could face heavy fines – and jail time in worst-case scenarios – if they fail to address the risks of Legionnaires’ disease in rental properties.

Fines of up to £20,000, or a custodial sentence if a tenant dies after contracting the disease, are now enforceable under the new Renters’ Rights Act which came into effect on Friday, May 1.

It comes after latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency found 472 cases of legionellosis were identified in 2024, 13 of which proved to be fatal.

The disease is a severe form of pneumonia and is most likely to affect older adults, particularly smokers and those with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes.

It is spread in temperatures between 20 to 45 degrees Celsius by contaminating water systems and being inhaled through water droplets which are discharged from showerheads, hot tubs and humidifiers.

Amid increased risks of hefty fines, home assessors have developed a new e-learning platform – Legionella Guard – for landlords to ensure properties in their name adhere to updated regulations.

Leah Stone, Director of Legionella Guard, said managing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease should be treated equally seriously as reducing the risk of more obvious home hazards such as gas and fire safety.

“Legionnaires’ disease is a deadly risk hiding in plain sight,” said Leah.

“It’s overlooked by homeowners, a frightening number of which are completely unaware of the disease and the very real risk it poses to those who are vulnerable.

“It is now a legal duty for landlords to manage the risk of infection.

“Historically, guidance has been vague, confusing and often ignored. And professional inspections are expensive.

“This tool protects landlords from unintentional noncompliance which could have devastating consequences.”

Failure for landlords to assess and control the risk of Legionnaires’ disease is now a criminal breach.

Legionella Guard works by making it simple for landlords to develop a basic understanding of Legionella, how it grows and what it needs to thrive. Evidence of action being taken to prevent bacteria growth can also be stored securely to avoid conviction.

Leah said all landlords should be completing an annual risk assessment.

She added: “It’s to primarily protect your tenants, but also yourself.

“Once landlords complete our straightforward e-learning programme, they can ask risk independently without having to pay large fees to third parties.

“It’s a simple solution the sector has been crying out for, and is available to letting agents, local authorities, housing associations and private landlords.”

Primary symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include chest pain, a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath. Further information about Legionella Guard is available online via www.legionella-guard.co.uk.