SOLO SAILOR HELPED TO SAFETY BY COASTGUARD CREWS

FISHGUARD RNLI volunteers were paged on Saturday evening (May 9) after a 26ft yacht broke free from its mooring and ran aground near Fishguard Lower Town quay.

The charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson, was launched at 7:56pm following a request from HM Coastguard.

Information received was that the yacht, with one person on board, had grounded on the seaward side of the quay.

When the lifeboat arrived, the helm assessed the situation and sea conditions. Swells were lifting the yacht before dropping it back onto rocks below the surface.

Because of the yacht’s position and the weather conditions, it was decided that the safest way to assist the sailor was from the shore. Fishguard Coastguard officers, who were already on the quay side, helped the casualty from the vessel and back up the steps on the quay wall.

The lifeboat remained on standby while coastguard crews assessed the situation. During that time, the helm kept the inshore lifeboat facing into the conditions to ensure the safety of those on board.

Once it was confirmed that the sailor, members of the public and coastguard officers were safely away from the water, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

‘Not viable to tow’

Fishguard RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Cedwyn Rogers said: “Fishguard’s volunteer crew responded to a request from HM Coastguard to attend a yacht with one person on board that was being pushed onto rocks by the weather.

“Once on scene, the helm made an assessment and it was determined that, given the proximity to the quay and accessibility of the casualty vessel from shore, the most appropriate way in which to preserve life was for the casualty to be assisted from the yacht by coastguards.

“With the vessel already aground and the nature of the surf due to the northerly winds, it was not viable to attempt a tow without presenting further unnecessary risks to the lifeboat crew and casualty.

“Once a vessel has grounded, the structural integrity and stability of a vessel is unknown, and to tow it off could compromise that further. In these situations, other means of assisting a casualty will be utilised.

“With the casualty sailor safe with HM Coastguard and no further persons near the water’s edge, the lifeboat returned to station.”

The RNLI added that anyone who is in trouble at sea, or who believes someone else may be in difficulty, should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Pic: RNLI/Rhodri Pugh-Dungey.

A CENTURIES-old rural church in Pembrokeshire will reopen its doors this summer following a lengthy and complex restoration project.

Tucked away down a narrow track in the village of Gumfreston, the church is known for its distinctive tapering tower, vaulted porch, and atmospheric interior. Surrounded by trees, its churchyard is said to come alive each spring with carpets of lesser celandine, while nearby holy wells continue to flow year-round.

The restoration has taken several years to complete. According to the project team, the building was in a severely deteriorated condition before work began, with significant damp problems that have made drying and stabilisation particularly challenging. During the course of the works, conservation teams also made a number of unexpected discoveries within the historic structure.

Organisers expressed gratitude to the many contractors, volunteers, supporters, and local residents who contributed to the project and showed patience throughout the lengthy closure.

St Lawrence’s Church, Gumfreston is welcoming selected visitors on Thursday, June 18, with an opening celebration planned from 2pm to 4pm.

Visitors attending the reopening event will be able to view the restored church, hear about its conservation journey, and join a toast to mark the completion of the works.

CAMPAIGNERS QUESTION PROTECTION OF MARINE WATERS

A SEWAGE pollution protest is to be held at Broad Haven Beach this weekend as campaigners call for urgent action to protect Pembrokeshire’s coastline.

Local residents, surfers, swimmers, families and environmental supporters are expected to gather on Saturday (May 16) at 1:30pm for a Surfers Against Sewage demonstration.

Organisers say the protest follows growing public concern about sewage discharges into waters used by local communities, visitors and wildlife.

Broad Haven forms part of the wider Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, an internationally important marine environment recognised for its habitats, biodiversity and wildlife.

Campaigners say the protest raises a simple question: if these waters are protected, why is sewage pollution still being allowed?

They are calling for stronger action from the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, local MPs and Senedd Members.

Their demands include an end to routine sewage discharges into bathing waters, greater transparency, real-time reporting, faster investment in sewage infrastructure, stronger protection for marine conservation areas and clear public accountability over pollution incidents.

Organisers say the issue is no longer just about surfers.

A spokesperson said: “This is about everyone. Children swim here. Families spend time here. People paddleboard, kayak and surf here all year round.

“Wildlife depends on these waters, and local businesses rely on a clean coastline.

“People should not have to check sewage alerts before entering the sea.”

Campaigners say many people assume protected marine status means clean water is guaranteed, but pollution incidents and discharges continue to affect coastal waters across the UK.

They argue that years of underinvestment in sewage infrastructure have left coastal communities and marine environments paying the price.

Organisers describe Saturday’s protest as a peaceful community demonstration aimed at protecting one of Pembrokeshire’s most valued natural assets.

They said: “This coastline is part of our identity. People care deeply about these waters and want future generations to inherit a healthy marine environment.

“If protected waters cannot be protected from sewage pollution, then what exactly does protection mean?”