News

Lifeboat responds to search and rescue calls in Milford Haven

Published

3 years ago

June 18, 2023

ANGLE Lifeboat was summoned into action at 5:42am on Friday (Jun 16), in response to a plea for assistance from the police and coastguard. The mission at hand was to locate a missing man in the vicinity of Gelliswick and The Rath, situated in the scenic Milford Haven.

With urgency in their hearts, the lifeboat crew wasted no time as they swiftly launched their vessel. Racing towards Gelliswick Bay, they strategically deployed the Y boat for a meticulous search along the shorelines, while the all-weather lifeboat ventured slightly farther out to sea. Both teams diligently combed the area towards the east, but a significant development altered their course of action.

The Y boat received a directive to divert back to Gelliswick for an interview with local fishermen who may have witnessed something crucial. Meanwhile, the All-Weather lifeboat, diligently continuing its search, stumbled upon the distressed individual perched on the rocks beneath Point fields Crescent, just east of Hakin Point. Promptly, the Y boat was called back to provide assistance.

Arriving swiftly, the Y boat crew hurriedly assessed the situation and offered reassurance to the casualty. The injured man was then carefully transferred onto the Y boat before being further tended to by the lifeboat crew. They swiftly embarked towards the Mackerel Stage near Milford Docks, where the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and the Police eagerly awaited the casualty’s arrival.

Thanks to the successful landing of the casualty on the shore, the Y boat and its dedicated crew were safely recovered. Expressing gratitude, the lifeboat was officially stood down, and it made its way back to the station, arriving at approximately 7:15am. Eager to serve once more, the vessel was promptly readied for future missions.

However, the day held further challenges for the valiant crew. At precisely 12:11pm on the same eventful day, the lifeboat crew received another summons from the coastguard, beckoning them to aid a 26ft yacht that found itself stranded near Saddle Head, caught between the coastal landmarks of Linney Head and St Govan’s Head. The unfortunate vessel had experienced a debilitating engine failure and lacked any means to hoist its sails.

Without hesitation, the lifeboat leapt into action, arriving at the scene a mere 35 minutes later. A tow line was promptly secured, and the crew commenced a two-hour-long journey, guiding the helpless yacht towards the safety of Milford Haven. By 3pm, the casualty vessel, along with its two crew members, found secure mooring alongside the Mackerel Stage. The lifeboat was subsequently relieved of duty, returning to the station at 3:30pm, where it underwent preparations for future emergencies.

Just two days later, on Sunday the 18th of June, at precisely 2:37pm, the lifeboat received yet another call to arms. This time, the mission entailed assisting in the search for a missing woman between The Rath, Milford Haven, and Gelliswick Bay. Wasting no time, the lifeboat swiftly embarked on its mission, steering towards The Rath. In a coordinated effort, the Y boat was deployed to scour the area between Wards Pier and Newton Noyes jetty, while the All-Weather lifeboat diligently surveyed the waters westward, towards Gelliswick. Additionally, a Port Authority pilot vessel lent a helping hand in the search.

As the thorough search operations commenced, news reached the crews that the missing woman had presented herself to the local authorities. Consequently, all search assets were promptly stood down, signaling their return to the safety of the station.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

7 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

9 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.