Five derelict vessels set for removal as pilot project targets growing safety and environmental risks

A JOINT operation has been launched to tackle marine fly-tipping and the growing problem of derelict vessels in the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven and The Crown Estate have teamed up for a pilot project targeting Castle Pill, a tidal inlet connected directly to the main port channel, where abandoned boats and illegally dumped waste have become an increasing concern.

Officials say the presence of derelict and poorly managed vessels poses serious risks not only to the environment but also to maritime safety and port operations, with fears that unsecured boats could break free and drift into the busy navigational channel.

The project will involve monitoring, enforcement, and removal work, alongside preventative measures aimed at stopping further fly-tipping.

At least five derelict vessels are scheduled to be removed from Castle Pill. The Port has warned that the boats are at immediate risk of breaking loose during spring tides, potentially causing disruption and danger if they enter the main channel.

Brian Macfarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Derelict vessels are a serious and unpredictable safety and environmental risk.

“Unlit and poorly maintained boats can break free, sink, or drift into navigational channels with little warning, endangering crews, disrupting port operations, and threatening the environmentally protected waters of the Milford Haven Waterway.”

Ryan Pratt, Coastal and Leisure Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, said the partnership was an important step in safeguarding the coastline.

He said: “Caring for our marine and coastal environment is vital so future generations can continue to benefit.

“This partnership provides a practical, effective response to fly-tipping and abandoned vessels, helping to protect sensitive habitats and the people who depend on safe, reliable waterways.”

The pilot scheme forms part of a wider effort to improve environmental protection, prevent pollution, and ensure the safe management of marine assets across the Milford Haven Waterway.

A DOCK teenager has lost his licence after driving his vehicle on the Cleddau Bridge when he was six times over the legal drug-drive limit.

Gethin Moseley, 19, was stopped by officers carrying out random traffic checks on the bridge on January 24.  Smelling cannabis emanating from his Mazda, a roadside drugs swipe was carried out which proved positive  Subsequent blood tests showed that Moseley had 14 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system, the legal limit being 2.

Moseley, of Milton Terrace, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week.  He was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed the Bench that the defendant only uses cannabis recreationally or socially.  He has no previous convictions.

Moseley was fined £249 and ordered to pay a £100 court surcharge and £85 costs.  He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

A Johnston motorist has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving when he was almost twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Police received a call at around 11am on April 23 from a member of the public concerned that local resident Martin Phelps, 55, was driving after consuming alcohol.

“He was at the petrol station and the member of the public was concerned that he was drunk,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When they arrived, they could see he  was unsteady on his feet and had trouble getting into his parked vehicle.”

 When spoken to by the officers, Phelps admitted drinking alcohol earlier that morning.  Subsequent breathalyser tests carried out at the police station, showed that Phelps had 68 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Phelps, of Langford Road, Johnston,  pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He’s had a troublesome relationship with alcohol which has increased over the years,” she told the court.

“He’s engaged with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Advisory Service and Alcoholics Anonymous  over the years, and this incident has been a wake up call for him.”

Phelps was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £120.  He must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.  He was disqualified form driving for 17 months.