A MAJOR search and rescue operation is under way in the Irish Sea after a man went overboard from a UK-registered yacht late on Saturday night (Apr 19).

The vessel, which was sailing from Brighton to Swansea via Falmouth, sent a 999 call to the Irish Coast Guard at approximately 10:55pm. The distress call was made by another person on board the yacht, who reported the man missing around 16 nautical miles south of Dunmore East, County Waterford.

The incident initially led to some confusion about the vessel’s position, but authorities later confirmed the yacht was off the coast of Ceann Heilbhic, near Dunmore East, rather than near Swansea.

The Irish Coast Guard launched an immediate multi-agency search operation, with extensive resources deployed overnight and into Sunday morning.

Rescue helicopters R117 from Waterford and R116 from Dublin were scrambled alongside a fixed-wing aircraft from HM Coastguard in the UK. RNLI lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay, and Ballycotton were also launched to join the search.

Weather conditions in the area have been described as calm, which is aiding the ongoing efforts.

The individual who raised the alarm has since been brought safely ashore. However, there has been no confirmed sighting of the missing man, whose identity has not yet been released.

A spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard confirmed that the Dublin-based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is continuing to lead the operation and is coordinating all available assets.

As of Sunday afternoon (Apr 20), the man had not been located and the search remains active.

The Herald understands that further updates will be issued as the situation develops.

CONCERNS have been raised about trespassers entering the closed Oakwood theme park, prompting calls for a swift sale of the site.

The once-popular attraction near Narberth has become a hotspot for urban explorers and thrill-seekers, with social media videos emerging of people wandering around the abandoned rides and infrastructure.

Since Oakwood shut its gates last month, following a decision by Spanish owners Aspro Parks to cease operations due to falling visitor numbers, locals have raised concerns about safety and the risk of vandalism.

Sam Kurtz MS, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said a speedy sale was now vital to prevent further deterioration and potential criminal activity.

“The longer it remains empty, the greater the risk of problems – from trespassing to the site falling into disrepair,” said Mr Kurtz. “There’s also a real risk to health and safety if people are entering unsupervised.”

Mr Kurtz called on Aspro to actively work with the Welsh Government, local businesses, and other stakeholders to secure a new future for the site.

“This is a valuable asset,” he said. “There’s been a lot of interest from businesses already, and I urge Aspro to engage with us so we can get the ball rolling.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they have received multiple reports of trespassing and possible criminal offences at the site since its closure.

The BBC have reported that Economics expert Professor Calvin Jones, of Cardiff University, was less optimistic about Oakwood’s chances of reopening as a theme park.

“If the existing operator – who’s invested tens of millions – can’t make it viable, it’s unlikely a new operator would be able to,” he said.

Instead, Prof Jones suggested the land might lend itself better to other recreational activities, such as adventure tourism, mountain biking, or zipline attractions, depending on what planning authorities allow.

“Ultimately, the future use of the site will come down to planning permission,” he said. “It may become something entirely different.”

Bluestone National Park Resort, which neighbours Oakwood and employs around 700 people, declined to comment on whether it would consider buying the land. Prof Jones noted that Bluestone has historically expanded cautiously and would likely only consider purchasing the site if the price was low.

The Welsh Government said that it “continues to engage” with Aspro Parks and recognised the former theme park’s importance to the local economy.

A spokesperson said: “We are hopeful a buyer will come forward to ensure this site can continue contributing to tourism in the area.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed it has not yet held any discussions with Aspro.

FAMILIES in Haverfordwest are in for a treat as the Easter Funfair rolls into town, offering colourful rides, sweet treats, and affordable fun for all ages.

The fair, presented by Andrew Holmes, officially opened on Friday (April 18) and runs daily until Saturday (April 26) at the Rifleman Field Car Park, SA61 1SF. Today, Sunday (April 20), the fair is open from 2:00pm to 8:00pm and is already drawing large crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere and family-friendly rides.

Entry to the event is free, with tokens for rides starting from just £1, making it a budget-friendly option for a family day out. A wide selection of attractions are available, including teacup rides, funhouses, and the popular ‘Puppy Catcher’ game. There are also refreshments sold on site, and car parking is available nearby.

The fair operates weekdays from 4:00pm to 8:30pm, Saturdays from 2:00pm to 8:30pm, and on the Bank Holiday Monday from 2:00pm to 8:30pm.

Organisers have kept a “price freeze for 2025”, ensuring that families can enjoy the fair without worrying about rising costs.

For more information, updates, and competitions, visitors can follow Andrew Holmes Funfairs on Facebook or visit www.funfairshirewales.co.uk.