News

Three shouts for busy Angle RNLI crew in just two days

Published

10 months ago

March 10, 2024

THE RNLI Angle lifeboat was involved in two requests for assistance on Thursday (Mar 7) this week.

The first came at 10:37am when the All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch in response to a distress call from a yacht in St Brides Bay. The vessel, with two persons onboard had suffered engine failure, sail issues and were experiencing sea sickness.

The lifeboat launched and made best speed to the vessel, arriving on scene around 40 minutes later. By this time, the yacht had sailed to a position five miles west of Skomer Island. After speaking with the skipper, the crew of the yacht were able to release the sail and a tow was swiftly passed.

With the tow secure the crew began the journey towards Milford Docks, arriving at the entrance around three hours later. Due to the conditions it wasn’t suitable for the yacht to be put into an alongside tow so the stern tow was shortened right up and the yacht towed straight onto the marina basin to allow more shelter from the easterly wind. Once inside the basin, the yacht was brought alongside and manoeuvred onto a nearby pontoon.

With no further assistance required the Lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was back on her mooring and ready for further service by 4pm.

Later that day at 9:01pm the crew were paged again. This time, to assist with the search for a high risk missing person at Freshwater West Beach.

The lifeboat launched and began proceeding to the area but were stood down shortly after when it was confirmed that the casualty was safely in the care of the police. St Govan’s and Dale Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked to this incident.

The Lifeboat was stood down with thanks and safely back on her mooring by 10pm.

On Wednesday (Mar 6) there was once incident.

Moments after picking up the mooring following an afloat exercise last Thursday the Lifeboat was tasked to assist a vessel with machinery and steering failure at the entrance to the east channel.

The lifeboat dropped her mooring and began proceeding towards the vessel. Fortunately the vessel had regained one engine and were making way back in to the Haven. When the Lifeboat rendezvoused with the vessel just off West Angle, the vessels crew had managed to regain both engines but still had steering issues. The crew of the vessel had rigged their emergency steering system and were making way back to their berth.

Content that they were making good progress, the Lifeboat escorted the vessel to her berth and once safely alongside the crew were stood down to return to station.

The lifeboat was back in her mooring and ready for further service by 5pm.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.