News

Two early morning shouts with a life saved by Tenby Lifeboat

Published

4 years ago

March 30, 2021

TENBY’S RNLI all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch twice in the early hours of Tuesday 30th March, resulting in a life being saved.

The first shout came shortly before 01.30am, following a mayday from a 43ft sailing vessel, with the single occupant reporting that he’d lost electronics and steering in thick fog off St Govans Shoals.

The lifeboat was quickly on the water and together with Angle all-weather lifeboat, made best speed to the last known position of the casualty vessel. A cargo vessel had also heard the Mayday and made its way to the scene.

With the Haydn Miller just 4 miles off the casualty vessel, the crew of Angle lifeboat reported that they had reached it and were preparing to take it in tow back to Milford Haven. Haydn Miller was stood down and returned to station, arriving just before 3am.

The second shout of the night came just over an hour later at 4.15am, with a report from a fisherman who had become lost in thick fog on Cefin Sidan Sands and with an incoming tide, was now stuck in mud and surrounded by water. He also stated that he was unable to swim.

The volunteer crew were soon on the water and along with both Burry Port lifeboats and Ferryside lifeboat, raced to the estimated position of the fisherman.

Tenby lifeboat was first on scene at the mouth of the estuary, but due to the depth of water, was unable to get in close enough to search. Due to the fact there was no helicopter available and a quickly rising tide, it was decided to launch the Y-Boat which could get right into the shore.

Luckily within a few minutes and despite thick fog, the crew of the Y-Boat spotted the bright LED lights that the casualty had on his head. By the time they pulled the very relieved fisherman into the lifeboat, he was waist deep in water, with the tide quickly rising around him.

He was soon aboard the Haydn Miller, where he was warmed up and brought towards Burry Holmes, before being transferred to Burry Port Lifeboat to be dropped back ashore.
With a life saved, the lifeboat then returned to station, arriving at 6.30am.

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

2 days 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

2 days 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.