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Yacht skipper rescued in the North Atlantic by Milford-bound LNG tanker crew

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A MILFORD HAVEN-bound LNG tanker changed course to save the life of a skipper of a yacht who had run in to trouble on a voyage near Bermuda.

The 31-foot sloop left Bermuda with one person onboard, however during the journey he was “unable to start the engine or sail in the prevailing light winds, and he made the decision to abandon the yacht.”

The LNG tanker Torben Spirit, which arrived in Milford Haven on Christmas Eve, diverted to assist him, and the ship’s captain brought the sailor back to the island, with officials noting that “the yacht skipper was grateful to be back on dry land.”

A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “Wednesday 16th December, 11:45 am – RCC Bermuda received a 406 MHz PLB alert from a U.S. registered beacon originating from a position approximately 250 miles south east of Bermuda.

“The beacon was unregistered however, it was known to be generated from the Bermuda registered 31 ft sloop Mujan which left Bermuda on Friday 11th December bound for St Kitts with one person onboard.

“On departure, Mujan had filed a float plan with Bermuda Radio and details of this beacon had been recorded. The United States Coast Guard also received the distress alerts and in consultation with RCC Bermuda, launched a C-130 aircraft from Elizabeth City, NJ to search the area. The merchant vessel LNG tanker Torben Spirit was diverted to assist.

“At 3:45pm that afternoon both the merchant vessel and US SAR aircraft were on scene and in communication with Mujan, the skipper was unable to start the engine or sail in the prevailing light winds, and he made the decision to abandon the yacht and board the tanker, this was done using the yachts tender.

“Once safely onboard the Torben Spirit, the ship’s Captain kindly arranged to divert from the planned passage to Milford Haven in the UK and take the stricken sailor back home to Bermuda.

“At 7:00 am on Thursday morning. the transfer was made to the Pilot/Rescue Boat St George and the yacht skipper was grateful to be back in Bermuda. The yacht was unfortunately left a drift and RCC Bermuda has issued a navigation warning regarding the floating hazard.”

The vessel TORBEN SPIRIT was built in 2017 and is currently sailing under the flag of Bahamas.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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