News

Pensioner feared lost at sea: Yacht discovered 50 miles off Pembrokeshire coast

Published

3 years ago

July 8, 2023

A PENSIONER is believed to be missing at sea after his unmanned yacht was located approximately 50 miles off the coast of Wales. Duncan Lougee, aged 70, had embarked on a solo voyage from Plymouth aboard his yacht named The Minke, with the intention of sailing to Ireland.

Mr. Lougee was en route to Baltimore and was expected to arrive on June 22, passing through the Isles of Scily as part of the Jester Challenge. However, no contact has been established with Mr. Lougee since his departure on June 18.

An Irish fishing vessel spotted the yacht on Thursday, June 29, prompting the Angle all-weather lifeboat to be dispatched by the Milford Haven Coastguard for a multi-agency search and rescue operation covering a round trip of 110 miles.

As the lifeboat reached the Minke, which was situated 50 miles west of St Anne’s Head in Pembrokeshire, an Irish coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, arrived at the scene.

A winchman descended onto the yacht, which had been overdue for six days, and confirmed that there was no one aboard.

Upon the arrival of the lifeboat, two crew members boarded the yacht to search for any information that could indicate the last known position of the missing sailor.

A spokesperson for Angle Lifeboat RNLI told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “At this point, R117 from Ireland departed and was replaced by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 from Newquay, Cornwall.

“Due to the nature of the incident and the expansive search area, a coastguard search plane, Rescue 51, had also been deployed and arrived at the scene, closely followed by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan. With our crew members now on board, new information was discovered, indicating the last recorded position of the occupant.

“As the lifeboat was out of VHF range, this information was relayed to Rescue 51 for communication to Falmouth Coastguard. Following their findings, all search assets were stood down as the new search area had significantly shifted south.'”

The Angle lifeboat crew then towed the yacht southward and met with Padstow lifeboat crews, who subsequently towed the vessel back to Padstow harbour.

Mr. Lougee, a resident of Colchester, Essex, remains a missing person, and Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the search operation has been called off.

Detective Inspector Daniel Massey said: “Yacht Minke has been brought ashore and is currently docked in Padstow Harbour. We continue to collaborate with partners, including The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and The Coroner’s Office, regarding this matter. While Mr. Lougee remains officially missing, responsibility for searches in open waters lies with the Coastguard. However, since the yacht Minke has been missing since it departed from Plymouth on Sunday, June 18, and initial inquiries indicate no recent entries in the ship’s log for at least nine days, we have decided to end the search.”

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard added: “Extensive searches were conducted and coordinated by HM Coastguard, leading to the discovery of the yacht. The search was terminated once it became evident that the survivability period had elapsed.”

DI Massey further commented: “We will continue to review this matter, and any new information that emerges will be duly assessed. We have informed the family about these initial updates, and our thoughts are with them at this time. The family of Duncan Lougee has requested privacy.”

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