News

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

Published

3 years 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.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle