News

Secrets of the deep: The flying boat engine found in Milford Haven waterway

Published

3 years ago

August 1, 2023

THE SERENE waters of the Milford Haven Waterway, off the coast of Waterston, recently unveiled a hidden secret that had intrigued marine authorities for weeks. An unexplained obstruction, which prompted a warning to all marine traffic, has now been identified as the propeller and engine of what experts believe could be a legendary Sunderland flying boat.

The discovery was made last weekend after the Milford Haven Port Authority issued warnings about an “unnamed obstruction” located approximately 300 metres south-southeast of the Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal. Standing at an impressive 2.5 metres above the seabed, between the 10-metre and 15-metre contours, the object’s identity remained shrouded in mystery until now.

Amidst much anticipation, the unnamed object has finally been linked to the engine and propeller of a remarkable aircraft, possibly a Sunderland flying boat, an icon of aviation history. The revelation has generated excitement and curiosity among experts and enthusiasts alike.

John Evans, the patron of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust, described the find as a significant discovery, emphasising the immense historical value it carries. Early examinations suggest that the engine could be a Pratt and Whitney, used to power later models of the Sunderland flying boats. Alternatively, there’s a chance it might belong to a Catalina flying boat that once served with the RAF.

Mr. Evans recalled the wartime incidents and accidents that plagued the Milford Haven Waterway, hinting at the possibility that the newfound engine and propeller could be linked to a Catalina that crashed in the area during 1941 or 1942.

Following its recovery from the Milford Waterway, the engine and propeller were temporarily transported to the Neyland Marina. Subsequently, they arrived at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, where meticulous restoration and cleaning efforts are set to begin. Salvaging an item that has spent more than seven decades submerged in seawater is undoubtedly a challenging task, but experts are determined to identify the engine’s origins despite the corroded state of the aluminium.

The Milford Haven Port Authority has been praised for facilitating the investigation, revealing the waterway’s propensity for unveiling long-kept secrets, even after many years have passed. The find shines a spotlight on RAF Pembroke Dock, once the world’s largest flying boat station during the war years, which played a pivotal role in the history of aviation.

Throughout the war, nearly 750 Short Sunderland flying boats were constructed between 1938 and 1946, with many of them taking flight from the illustrious RAF Pembroke Dock. Tragically, some met their fate in the waters off Pembroke Dock, including the sinking of two Sunderland flying boats during a gale in November 1940, leading to the loss of two airmen.

While historical accounts of these incidents were heavily censored during the war, the efforts of dedicated enthusiasts and volunteers have brought some of these forgotten aircraft back into the spotlight. One of the lost Sunderlands, bearing the serial number N6138 of 201 Squadron, was eventually recovered, restored, and returned to the skies after five decades. Its story serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of these flying boats.

Today, the wreck of the other missing Sunderland, the T9044 of 210 Squadron, lies on the seabed, around 20 metres below the surface. Thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers, its engine has been transformed into a captivating exhibit on display at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, preserving its place in history for generations to come.

As the restoration efforts commence on the recently discovered engine and propeller, aviation enthusiasts and history lovers eagerly await the unfolding of this new chapter in the saga of the Sunderland flying boats. The Milford Haven Waterway has once again revealed its secrets, prompting us to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of the brave souls who took to the skies during tumultuous times. The legacy of these flying boats continues to soar high, inspiring awe and admiration for the golden age of aviation.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

4 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

29 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

53 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.