News

Busy period for Angle RNLI continues with three callouts

Published

1 year ago

August 9, 2023

Angle All-Weather Lifeboat Responds Swiftly to Distress Call

IN THE EARLY hours of this morning, at 4:58am, Angle’s diligent RNLI crew received an urgent summons, propelling them into action once more. This time, the distress signal emanated from a French yacht in perilous waters. The vessel had encountered a harrowing collision with The Smalls Lighthouse and was grappling with a perilous breach, leaving six souls on board at the mercy of the sea’s unrelenting ingress. The yacht’s own bilge pumps were valiantly struggling against the deluge.

Undaunted by the early hour, the lifeboat sprung into action, its engines roaring to life as it raced towards the beleaguered vessel. The call for aid also reached the capable hands of St. David’s All-Weather Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924, stationed at the ready in Newquay, Cornwall. Mid-route, a request was dispatched by the coastguard to have the lifeboat’s salvage pump prepared.

Minutes elapsed, and Angle’s resolute lifeboat drew alongside St. David’s vessel at the scene of the maritime crisis. The situation was meticulously assessed, and a decision was swiftly reached. With the knowledge that the stricken yacht’s intended course lay towards Milford Haven, the tacticians on scene determined that Angle’s crew, bolstered by their trusty salvage pump, should be the first to transfer aboard the troubled vessel. Should further assistance become necessary, the capable hands of St. David’s Lifeboat and R924 stood ready to extend their aid.

With two valiant crew members and the formidable salvage pump safely aboard, the dire situation was met head-on. The relentless tide of water invading the yacht’s confines was finally tamed, brought under control by the relentless efforts of Angle’s crew. Sensing that the immediate danger was assuaged and all souls on board were accounted for, the steadfast teams of St. David’s Lifeboat and R924 were relieved from their posts and returned to their respective ports, departing with gratitude.

Assured that the ship’s stability was regained and its passengers out of harm’s way, the lifeboat began a steady three-and-a-half-hour escort to Neyland, where the proficient crew at Dale Sailing eagerly awaited, poised to hoist the beleaguered yacht from the treacherous waters.

As the convoy reached the sheltered embrace of Watwick Bay, the lifeboat once again sidled up to the yacht’s flank, this time replenishing it with the necessary fuel and vital supplies for the final leg of the journey to Neyland. The maritime ballet continued until Neyland was reached, where the joint efforts of the crew and the adept staff at Dale Sailing culminated in a successful hoisting of the yacht, drawing it to safety above the waves.

As the vessel swung free above the marina waters, a well-earned pause ensued. The lifeboat nestled in the harbor, a warm gesture in the form of bacon rolls awaiting one of the crew members who had been patiently stationed there.

With the mission accomplished and a vessel rescued, the lifeboat eventually returned to its home port, its dedication unwavering. By 11am, the vessel stood ready to respond to the call of duty once again.

Triple Distress Calls in Two Days

This saga of bravery and expertise didn’t stand alone. The preceding Friday, the 3rd of August, at precisely 3:32pm, Angle’s intrepid crew received yet another cry for help. A 10-meter aluminium landing craft, burdened with six souls, was thrust into jeopardy due to an unfortunate dual engine failure. The vessel’s plight was further compounded by ensnaring its propellers in an errant rope, rendering the engines impotent and leaving the craft to helplessly drift towards the menacing rocks of West Angle Bay.

As the emergency call echoed through the air, the lifeboat once again sprang into action, racing toward West Angle with the urgency that only an experienced crew can muster. On arrival, a local charter angling vessel gallantly offered aid, holding the fort until the stalwart lifeboat could take its place.

A meticulously executed towline was rigged, expertly linking the two vessels. With the casualties’ anchor disengaged, the towline was transferred, and the lifeboat commenced its noble task, guiding the stranded vessel towards Neyland. As the convoy neared Neyland Marina, a precise maneuver shifted the vessel into an alongside tow, aligning it with the awaiting pontoon at Dale Sailing, where the vessel would find its much-needed respite.

As the sun began its descent, the lifeboat and its dedicated crew stood down, returning to their station, the day’s challenges met and conquered. By 6pm, the lifeboat was poised, ever-ready for its next great maritime trial.

Another Successful Rescue Operation

The day before the aforementioned rescue, on Thursday, the 3rd of August, Angle’s All-Weather Lifeboat was beckoned to action once more at 5:36pm. A plea for assistance echoed over the waves, emanating from a small speedboat that had fallen victim to mechanical woes. With four souls and two loyal canine companions on board, the vessel was left adrift, its location uncertain but perilous – somewhere between Dale and Angle.

Responding with characteristic swiftness, the lifeboat set course for Dale, its crew determined to locate and aid the distressed vessel. Their efforts proved fruitful, culminating in the discovery of the stricken boat anchored in the safety of Watwick Bay. A sigh of relief swept through the crew as all aboard were accounted for and in good health. Once the safety of the stranded vessel was assured, a towline was established, and the lifeboat guided the vessel up the Haven to East Llanion, ensuring its safe return.

With the mission accomplished and another triumph secured, the lifeboat returned to its berth, its readiness for further service reaffirmed. The echoes of its recent successes resonated within its steel hull, a testament to the unwavering dedication of Angle’s RNLI crew.

Crime

Youths failed to stop, then crashed into Milford Haven home

Published

17 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Milford Haven have arrested two male youths following a fail-to-stop incident that ended with their car crashing into a residential property on Hamilton Terrace.

The incident occurred at 10:50pm on Friday (Dec 27). According to officers, a black Mercedes failed to stop on North Road before speeding along The Rath and turning back onto Hamilton Terrace. As the car continued down the road, it was met by a second police vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

In an attempt to avoid the oncoming police car and another pursuing from behind, the vehicle tried to drive up Francis Street against the one-way system. However, it failed to make the turn and crashed into a residential property.

The occupants then fled on foot, with one officer pursuing on foot and another driving against the one-way system towards The Trafalgar Public House.

The property sustained damage to a wall, and the vehicle was left undrivable and is now being recovered. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

The police were seen searching the crashed vehicle, and took several paper bags full of potential evidence from the scene.

Community

Milford Haven mum gives birth to triplets amid medical emergency

Published

18 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PREGNANCY is often a challenging experience, but for Ellie Davies from Milford Haven, it became even more stressful when she found herself facing a 140-mile round trip away from home during labour.

Ellie was initially admitted to Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition causing dangerously high blood pressure. However, due to a lack of available neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, staff arranged her transfer to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, nearly 30 miles away. Thankfully, accommodation was also provided onsite for her fiancé, Craig Butland.

RENAL FAILURE COMPLICATIONS
Ellie explained: “I had pre-eclampsia and was taken to Glangwili. My blood pressure was going up and down, and they had to ring around hospitals with a NICU to see if they had any spare beds – Singleton was the only one with space.”

On November 12, Ellie was transferred to Swansea, where she remained on the antenatal ward. However, her condition worsened. “On Sunday 17, my kidneys became affected by the pre-eclampsia, and I was going into renal failure,” she said.

In the early hours of Monday, November 18, Ellie underwent an emergency C-section, delivering triplets Mia, Isla, and Elsie two months prematurely.

BRIEF FIRST MEETING
“I only met Isla, the middle triplet, for around two minutes before she was taken to neonatal to be with her sisters,” Ellie shared.

Mia was born weighing 2lb 9oz, Isla at 2lb 10oz, and Elsie at 2lb 8oz. All three girls initially required breathing support and spent nine days in the NICU. Now, over three pounds each, they are receiving care at Glangwili’s special care unit and are reportedly “doing really well.”

SUPPORT FROM NHS STAFF
Reflecting on their experience, Ellie praised the hospital staff: “The midwives Louise and Emily were amazing, answering every question we had and supporting us through everything. Dr Sree Nittur, who was there during the delivery, followed up daily. The neonatal nurses were absolutely fantastic, and we can’t thank them enough for their care and dedication.”

A PLACE TO STAY
For Craig, the availability of accommodation at Cwtsh Clos, a row of five houses on the Singleton Hospital site, was a significant relief. Without it, he would have faced daily commutes between Milford Haven and Swansea.

“Craig spent a week in Cwtsh Clos, and I joined him for the final night,” Ellie said. “It was a huge help having Craig so close. It’s one problem you don’t have to think about, and it gives you a space to gather your thoughts.”

The couple is now supporting Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal, which aims to raise £160,000 to refurbish the homes for future families in similar situations.

‘TRIPLETS ARE A RARITY’
Lisa Harris, interim matron for neonatal services, said: “We are delighted to hear the girls are doing well. Cwtsh Clos allows parents to stay close to their babies, which is so important during such critical times.”

NICU consultant Kate Burke added: “Triplets are a rarity for us. We serve families across south central and south west Wales, and often, we’re the unit they turn to when pregnancies are more complicated. It’s wonderful to see families like Ellie and Craig’s returning home with their babies healthy and thriving.”

The family recently celebrated their first Christmas together with Mia, Isla, and Elsie, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them through their journey.

Support the Cwtsh Clos Appeal: Donations can be made via the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.

(Pic: Swansea Bay University Health Board)

News

Christmas Eve sign-off for Pembrokeshire over-55s housing scheme

Published

20 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE FINAL sign-off for a scheme to build 24 affordable homes for the over-55s at the “eyesore” site of the former Motor World building in Milford Haven has been given the go-ahead.

W B Griffiths & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, in an application before the council’s November planning committee, was given approval for the construction of a new residential redevelopment of 24 affordable apartments for over-55s at 70A-80A Charles Street.

It is planned to build 21 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments, along with associated works.

***How the building looked before it was demolished***

The former Motor World site, previously described as an “eyesore,” was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over-55s in 2020 but the previous contractor was put into administration under what was described as, ‘significant financial stress’.

The application, submitted through agent DPP Planning, followed a public consultation earlier this year.

At the November meeting, approval was proposed by Cllr Alistair Cameron, seconded by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said: “We need to achieve regeneration of our town centres by repopulating them, and they will be much more sustainable in the future.”

He was supported by Cllr Mark Carter, who said: “I like developments like these; I think this is the way forward for communities, we’ve got a site here that as far back as I’ve been a councillor has attracted questions about when it will be built.”

A sticking point for the application was it was subject to a Welsh Government Holding Direction where planning permission could not be fully granted until an awaited vehicle Swept Path Analysis has been approved demonstrating that a turning area can be provided within the site for the largest type of vehicle that would serve it.

Members backed delegated authority for the council’s head of planning to approve the application following resolution of the issue.

The application was formally conditionally approved by planning officers on December 24, a Welsh Government response saying it “as highway authority for the A4076 trunk road does not issue a direction in respect of this application”.