News

Angle RNLI 110-mile round trip for search and recovery of missing yacht

Published

1 year ago

July 6, 2023

ON THURSDAY (Jun 29), the Angle All-Weather Lifeboat embarked on a demanding mission, coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard, to aid in the search and recovery of the missing yacht ‘Minke.’ The vessel had been overdue for six days, prompting an Irish fishing vessel to report its discovery. The yacht’s approximate location was identified as around 50 miles southwest of St Anne’s Head.

Following a distress call to the coastguard, the lifeboat was swiftly launched and set off towards the designated area, anticipating a two-hour journey. En route, an Irish coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, reached the scene and deployed a winchman who confirmed the absence of anyone aboard the yacht. The fishing vessel that initially located the yacht remained in the vicinity as well.

At 6:10 pm, the lifeboat arrived at the scene, at which point Falmouth Coastguard took over coordination. The crew members were requested to transfer onto the yacht to investigate any possible information that could shed light on the occupant’s last known position.

At this juncture, R117 departed the scene, making way for Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 from Newquay, Cornwall. Given the extensive search area, a coastguard search plane, Rescue 51, was also deployed and promptly arrived, followed shortly after by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan.

With the Angle crew members now on board the yacht, new information emerged regarding the occupant’s last recorded position. As the lifeboat was out of VHF range, the information was relayed to Falmouth Coastguard via Rescue 51. Armed with this updated data, all search assets were stood down, as the search area had shifted significantly south.

Subsequently, Padstow Lifeboat was assigned the task of towing the yacht back to Padstow harbour. The Angle Lifeboat crew established the towline connection and began towing the vessel southward towards the rendezvous point with the Padstow Lifeboat.

After approximately an hour of towing, Padstow Lifeboat reached the scene. The Angle crew members released the towline and assisted the Padstow crew in securing their own towline to the yacht. Once confirmed that the tow was safely rigged, the Angle crew was recovered from the vessel and stood by momentarily.

With the towline and fenders stowed, the Angle Lifeboat commenced the two-hour return journey to Angle, where it was recovered, refuelled, and made ready for further service by midnight.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes to Milford Haven and Falmouth Coastguard MRCC’s, R117 from Ireland, R924 from Newquay, R187 from St Athan, Fixed-wing aircraft R51, Padstow Lifeboat, and the Irish fishing vessel. This remarkable operation exemplified the effective collaboration of multiple agencies working together seamlessly.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

24 hours 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.