Local MS speaks about pressure of politics in major newspaper interview

SAMUEL KURTZ has said he remains determined to retain his Senedd seat despite growing political uncertainty, following a prominent double-page interview published ahead of the Welsh Parliament election in May.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS spoke candidly about the pressures of public life, the challenges facing his party, and the personal toll of political scrutiny, while insisting he remains focused on local campaigning.

Mr Kurtz said: “We’re working hard for the win, but the world’s not going to end on May 8 if I don’t get re-elected.”

The comments reflect what political observers describe as a realistic assessment of the electoral environment facing the Conservatives across Wales ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 7.

Pressure of public life

In the Western Mail article, Mr Kurtz discussed the intensity of modern politics, including criticism on social media and the impact on family life. He suggested resilience was essential for anyone working in public office, describing politics as demanding but worthwhile.

The MS also highlighted his rural upbringing and agricultural background, emphasising his connection to farming communities and countryside issues — a key theme likely to feature heavily in his re-election campaign across rural parts of the constituency.

Local record under scrutiny

Mr Kurtz has represented Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since being elected to the Senedd in 2021.

During that time he has spoken on issues including agriculture policy, rural economic development, and healthcare pressures, often criticising Welsh Government performance on NHS waiting times and public services.

However, with the election approaching, local voters are expected to judge candidates primarily on issues affecting daily life in Pembrokeshire, including GP access, hospital waiting lists, transport infrastructure, employment opportunities, and the cost of living.

Political landscape changing

The upcoming election will take place under new Senedd arrangements, with boundary and voting system reforms expected to alter the political landscape across Wales.

The constituency has historically been competitive, with support shifting between Conservatives, Labour and Plaid Cymru in different elections. Analysts suggest the result in May could be influenced both by national political trends and local campaigning strength.

Campaign period begins

While Mr Kurtz has not yet formally launched his constituency campaign, activity from all parties is expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks.

The Herald will be speaking to voters and candidates across Pembrokeshire as part of its continuing coverage of the Senedd election campaign.

Human error, storm conditions and salvage decisions combined in one of Britain’s worst maritime disasters

THIRTY years ago this week, the oil tanker Sea Empress ran aground while entering Milford Haven, triggering a maritime emergency that would ultimately reshape safety procedures in one of the UK’s most important ports.

On the evening of February 15, 1996, the Liberian-registered tanker was inbound to the Texaco refinery carrying approximately 130,000 tonnes of North Sea crude oil when it struck rocks at the entrance to the Haven.

What followed was a complex and dangerous salvage operation carried out in severe weather, repeated groundings, and eventually the release of more than 70,000 tonnes of oil into the sea — making it one of the worst environmental disasters in British waters.

What actually went wrong

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch later concluded that the grounding was primarily caused by human and operational error rather than mechanical failure.

The tanker’s steering gear and propulsion systems were found to be functioning normally.

Investigators identified a sequence of navigational decisions and communication issues between the ship’s master and harbour pilot that led the vessel too close to the rocks while manoeuvring into the channel.

Strong tidal conditions and environmental factors then compounded the situation once the vessel was aground.

In simple terms, the ship was not where it should have been.

A salvage operation under pressure

Initial efforts focused on stabilising the vessel and preventing further oil loss, but worsening weather quickly made operations far more dangerous.

Tugs worked in gale-force winds attempting to pull the tanker clear.

During one critical phase, a tow line parted under extreme tension, allowing the ship to ground again and spill additional oil.

At the same time, fears grew that vapours from the cargo could ignite, prompting evacuations near St Ann’s Head.

Aircraft sprayed dispersants over the spreading slick while emergency services prepared for a potential explosion scenario.

The priority at that stage was to prevent the vessel breaking apart completely.

Eventually, after several days of effort, salvage crews succeeded in refloating the tanker and moving it to a safer position where the remaining cargo could be removed.

Who was blamed

Responsibility for the disaster became the subject of legal and regulatory scrutiny.

The official investigation placed primary fault on navigational decisions during the vessel’s approach rather than any equipment failure.

The ship’s master and pilot both faced criticism over judgement and coordination, though the complex operational environment was also acknowledged.

In subsequent legal proceedings, liability for the spill was largely addressed through civil compensation mechanisms involving the ship owners and insurers under international maritime conventions.

There was no single individual publicly identified as solely responsible for the scale of the environmental damage.

However, the incident exposed weaknesses in escort tug arrangements, navigation procedures and emergency response planning.

Impact on Milford Haven operations

One of the most significant long-term outcomes was the strengthening of escort tug requirements for large vessels entering the Haven.

Navigation procedures were reviewed and risk management protocols improved.

Emergency pollution response capability across the UK was also reassessed.

For the port itself, the disaster became a turning point.

Milford Haven continued operating as a major energy hub, but with tighter safety controls and increased scrutiny.

Environmental and community consequences

Oil contamination spread across miles of coastline, affecting wildlife habitats, fisheries and tourism.

Thousands of volunteers joined military personnel and contractors in an enormous cleanup effort that lasted months.

While environmental recovery has been substantial over the decades, the psychological impact on coastal communities and those directly involved in the response remains part of local memory.

Maritime lessons that endure

Today, the Sea Empress is widely viewed within the maritime industry as a case study in how small navigational errors can escalate into major incidents when combined with environmental pressures.

The disaster reinforced the importance of escort towing, pilotage coordination and emergency planning in high-risk ports.

Thirty years on, the Haven remains one of the UK’s busiest energy ports — operating under safety frameworks shaped directly by the events of February 1996.

Programme revisits Milford Haven 30 years after oil spill disaster

TWO well-known Pembrokeshire figures appeared on BBC television on Sunday (Feb 15) as Countryfile marked the 30th anniversary of the Sea Empress oil spill.

Phil Thompson, former public relations manager at the Texaco refinery, and Martin Cavaney, a freelance photographer who regularly works with The Herald, were among those featured during the programme, which looked back at the disaster and its lasting impact on the county.

Presenters Datshiane Navanayagam and Hamza Yassin visited Milford Haven to explore how the area has recovered three decades after the tanker ran aground at the entrance to the waterway while carrying crude oil to the refinery.

The grounding of the Sea Empress on February 15, 1996 resulted in tens of thousands of tonnes of oil being spilled into the sea, contaminating large sections of the Pembrokeshire coastline and becoming one of Britain’s worst environmental disasters.

The programme also featured Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, who explained how the incident led to significant improvements in marine safety.

Ryan, who served for around 30 years in the Royal Navy before joining the port, said the disaster remains part of the waterway’s history and helped focus attention on the need for stronger procedures. This ultimately contributed to the development of modern safety systems, including the Port Marine Safety Code introduced in 2000.

Countryfile also examined the environmental recovery that has taken place since the spill, including work by scientists and conservationists to protect wildlife across Pembrokeshire’s coastline.

The Sea Empress disaster prompted one of the largest clean-up operations ever seen in Wales, involving salvage crews, emergency responders, volunteers and environmental organisations.

The anniversary remains a significant milestone for communities around Milford Haven, where memories of oil-covered beaches and wildlife continue to resonate 30 years on.

The programme is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.