News

Multiple RNLI lifeboats launch to report of ferry fire

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2023

LIFEBOATS from the charity’s stations at Fishguard, St Davids and New Quay were launched to assist the Stenaline Rosslare to Fishguard ferry following a report of a fire in the engine room.

The volunteer crews from the three stations were paged at 09.26pm following a report to UK Coastguard of a fire in the engine room of the Stena Europe which was located approximately 2 nautical miles from Fishguard harbour.

RNLI Fishguard’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII, RNLI St David’s Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley and RNLI New Quay’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge launched into calm conditions and made their way to the location of the casualty vessel as part of a multi-agency response including UK Coastguard, RNLI, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh Air Ambulance.

Fishguard’s Blue Peter VII was the first to arrive on scene where it was reported that the fire had been extinguished but that the vessel could only operate its starboard side engines. The lifeboat stood by whilst the vessel made its way into the harbour where it was met by the tug St Davids whose crew had offered assistance in manoeuvring the vessel to its position alongside the ferry terminal where it was met by emergency services.
Whilst this was taking place the volunteer crew from St David’s arrived on scene and joined Fishguard in standing by should they be required.

Once safely docked, crews from Mid and West Wales Fire Service boarded the vessel to make assessments. Lifeboats from Fishguard and St David’s returned to RNLI Fishguard lifeboat station where they were requested to remain on standby due to the large number of emergency personnel at location. Whilst still making way to the scene the lifeboat from RNLI New Quay was stood down following evaluation from the coastguard that they were no longer required.
After further assessment the crew from St David’s were also stood down and made their way back to their station, whilst Fishguard were requested to remain on standby until further notice.

Shortly after midnight, confirmation was received from UK Coastguard that Fishguard crew could stand down. RNLI Fishguard and RNLI New Quay were made ready for service by 12.30am, and RNLI St Davids by 1.30am.

Steve Grant, station coxswain Fishguard RNLI, said: “Thankfully the well trained staff aboard the ferry were able to control the situation and the Stena Europe was able to make its way safely into the harbour. As a volunteer crew we train for these situations in the hope that they’ll never occur, however it was good to see a smooth multiagency response being coordinated on land, sea and air and that all passengers and crew were able to safely disembark.”

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

1 day 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

1 day 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.