News

RNLI lifeboats and helicopter save trawler in perilous Irish Sea operation

Published

2 years ago

March 9, 2024

RNLI lifeboats from St Davids, Fishguard, Newquay, and Kilmore Quay were launched in response to a distress Mayday call from a 24-metre Irish fishing vessel, reportedly taking on water in the Irish Sea on Friday, 8 March. The vessel, with five crew members aboard, was located approximately 21 nautical miles North West of Strumble Head when HM Coastguard mobilised the Welsh RNLI stations shortly before midday.

Responding with alacrity, the all-weather lifeboats and their volunteer crews hastened towards the imperilled trawler. They were joined by the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter R936 from Caernarfon, which arrived first at the scene. The helicopter crew executed a precise operation, lowering a water pump to the fishing vessel, thereby preventing any immediate danger to the crew, who fortunately, reported no casualties. Subsequently, the New Quay lifeboat was stood down while en route due to the stabilising situation.

The St Davids Tamar class lifeboat, Norah Wortley, reached the scene at 1.10pm amid rough sea conditions, buffeted by a force five to seven Easterly wind. It was closely followed by the RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat, Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII, which arrived at 1.35pm. With the engine of the trawler intact and the water level onboard significantly reduced by the Coastguard’s pump, a decision was made to escort the vessel 35 nautical miles West to Ireland for safety.

This escort mission saw Kilmore Quay RNLI Tamar class lifeboat Victor Freeman, tasked by the Irish Coast Guard, joining the operation at 2.10pm, at which point the Fishguard lifeboat returned to Wales. The St Davids lifeboat continued the escort for a further 20 nautical miles West South West towards Tuskar Rock until the Kilmore Quay lifeboat took over at 3:20pm. The lifeboats returned to their respective stations by the evening, with St Davids docking at 6.00pm and Kilmore Quay shortly thereafter at 6.10pm.

Will Chant, RNLI Coxswain for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, praised the swift and efficient response of all the crews involved. “This rescue was a good, fast response from all crews, which with an incident of this nature was exactly what was required,” he remarked. The situation aboard the trawler was effectively managed with the deployment of a salvage pump from the helicopter, leading to a successful and straightforward mission to escort the vessel to safety. The crew even received ‘welcome to Ireland’ messages on their mobile phones, highlighting the considerable distance covered during the operation.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.