News

Local lifeboats deployed in extensive search for clues after discovery of deceased man

Published

1 year ago

July 14, 2023

LOCAL lifeboats were once again launched into action to scour the sea and shoreline yesterday, following new information regarding the discovery of an unidentified man’s body on a beach in Pembrokeshire.

The lifeless body of the man, believed to be in his 60s or 70s, was found at an undisclosed location on Freshwater West on Wednesday morning at approximately 10 am. He was attired in a blue sailing jacket, an orange halter, chino trousers, and brown shoes, with a distinctive white hair and beard.

Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for any information that could help establish the identity of the deceased.

Yesterday afternoon, both Angle and St Davids lifeboats were promptly deployed once again, following the emergence of new details pertaining to the incident.

Angle RNLI, having already spent over 8 hours searching in two consecutive days, launched their All-Weather Lifeboat just before 11 am on Thursday to aid in the search effort. The lifeboat embarked on its journey towards Freshwater West, combing the shoreline en route. Upon arrival at the scene, the crew scoured the entire length of the beach, incrementally expanding their search with each sweep. However, their exhaustive efforts yielded no significant findings.

As the search area expanded, the Tenby All-Weather Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan were also summoned for assistance. Over the ensuing hours, all search assets undertook parallel track searches as directed by the coastguard. Once their respective searches were completed, Tenby Lifeboat was instructed to conduct a shoreline search from St Govan’s Head back to Tenby, while Angle Lifeboat was assigned searches from Linney Head up to St Anne’s Head, West Dale Beach, and subsequently along the coast into Dale Bay.

Within Dale Bay, the lifeboat meticulously inspected vessels at anchor and on moorings for any indications of distress. Finding nothing untoward, the lifeboat concluded its search with one final sweep of the North shore, encompassing all bays up to Sandy Haven, culminating in Gelliswick Bay.

With no significant discoveries and lacking any new leads, the lifeboat and its crew were finally stood down after an arduous search spanning just over six hours. Returning to the station, the lifeboat was refuelled and promptly prepared for further service, completing the process by 6:30 pm.

The following day, at precisely 2:02 pm, the lifeboat received a fresh request to launch once more, this time in response to updated information concerning the previous incident. The crew’s new task involved thorough searches of the coastline, starting from Dale and encircling St Anne’s Head, West Dale, Marloes, Gateholm, Jack Sound, and an entire circumnavigation of Skomer Island. Concurrently, St David’s lifeboat was directed to conduct a shoreline search along the coast from St Bride’s Bay to Skomer Island.

Both lifeboats diligently carried out their search assignments, ultimately rendezvousing just north of Jack Sound. Following appreciation for their unwavering efforts, both boats were stood down and returned to their respective stations.

During their return journey, the crew of Angle lifeboat conducted a final sweep around the western side of Skokholm Island before heading back to base.

By 4:15 pm, Angle lifeboat was back at the station.

The investigation into the identity of the deceased man continues, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in this tragic case.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

21 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

21 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.