News

Two lives saved in one day for New Quay RNLI

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2023

ON THURSDAY (Aug 17) New Quay RNLI launched twice in one day and saved two lives.

At 12.30pm New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard Milford Haven to a mayday call with multiple people in the water off Traeth Gwyn beach in New Quay.

The volunteer crew assembled and launched with Brett Stones as helm. Brett said, “With a strong south easterly offshore wind a father and daughter had found themselves in trouble. They were rowing in their dingy but one of the oars snapped. The father then tried to tow them ashore but got very tired quickly. The mother went in to help and the alarm was raised.

“With multiple persons in the water the Coastguard asked for any boats in the area to assist and one of the dolphin trip boats had arrived first on scene and was keeping one of the casualties afloat.

“We were able then to get the casualty on board and then began searching for the other casualties. We were then informed that the rest of the family had made it safely to the beach. We then took the casualty to the main pier to meet the paramedics and returned to station.”

The casualty who was plucked out of sea came back the next day to pay his thanks to Brett and said, “I can’t begin to thank everyone enough. A sobering moment indeed. I had nothing else to give to save myself and I will live with the fact I couldn’t save my daughter on my own.

“Despite being able to swim well enough I was getting nowhere. Your life really does flash before your eyes. I had told Eirwen I loved her before I checked out, but it would seem I still held on for a while longer. Grateful to everyone who got her safely back.

“Forever grateful to everyone who helped. My faith in humanity was restored. We are frequent visitors to the area and will always be able to swap a smile with Brett.”

Later that day the pagers sounded again at 3.25pm with HM Coastguard tasking the all-weather Mersey class lifeboat to Aberaeron to a report of two casualties in difficulty on a paddleboard.

Arriving in the area of the latest reported sighting the crew began searching for the casualties. Dan Potter, New Quay RNLI’s Coxswain said, “We had the information from the informant and began a search pattern. It is extremely difficult to see casualties in the water and we were hoping they had stayed with the board.

“We spotted one casualty as she was wearing a buoyancy aid and we got her into the lifeboat. She had been out with her sister but they had got into difficulty trying to paddle back into the strong winds.

“They had been at sea for a long time, over two hours, and had been shouting for help from the water. Luckily a walker on the coastal path had heard and raised the alarm.

“In the meantime, her sister had made it back to the beach but she was in the water luckily wearing a buoyancy aid. She was quite exhausted and very emotional as it had been a scary ordeal.

“We took her back to New Quay where the New Quay Coastguard team brought her sister to meet her. We then rehoused the lifeboat ready for service”

Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager added, “These recent shouts demonstrate the importance of always telling someone where you are going and when you will be returning, and having the right equipment – wearing a wetsuit for the cold water temperatures, always having a buoyancy aid and means for calling for help – a mobile phone or hand-held radio. Remember if you are in trouble or see someone in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.