TODAY is the inaugural National Fishing Remembrance Day, buy many residents of Milford Haven may not know about the tragic events of 1915, when piracy on the high seas by ‘the enemy’ led to the loss of local fishermen and several trawlers.

In 1915, amidst the backdrop of World War I, Milford Haven’s fishing fleet became the target of ruthless ‘pirate attacks’ as they were reported, which claimed the lives of 47 men and saw the sinking of several trawlers.

These were not isolated incidents but part of a terrifying pattern that emerged during this tumultuous period, carried out by German boats, and submarines, against all British shipping.

The first incident was a brutal attack on the Hirseo.

As the ‘pirates’ opened fire, chaos ensued onboard. The trawler, filled with fishermen, was ill-equipped to handle such an assault. Many crew members were killed instantly, while others, injured and desperate, struggled to survive as the vessel began to sink. The nearby Victoria, in a bid to assist, maneuvered closer but was quickly overwhelmed by gunfire and met the same fate as the Hirseo.

Among those who lost their lives was the chief engineer of the Victoria, Albert Cole, whose earlier premonitions of doom became a grim reality as the ship went down. His final acts, attempting to keep the engine room operational even as the vessel succumbed to the sea, highlighted the bravery and professionalism that defined these men.

Simultaneously, the Belgian trawler Delta B also came under attack. The Delta B, which was fishing in proximity to the British trawlers, was besieged by the same group of pirates. It suffered extensive damage and eventually sank, adding to the day’s toll of devastation. The crew, mostly Belgian nationals, faced a fierce battle for survival as they encountered relentless gunfire and the perilous waters of the Irish Sea.

Survivors from these attacks were few and faced grim odds. Those who were rescued recounted their experiences with palpable grief and trauma. They described scenes of fellow crewmen being struck by bullets, the cold embrace of the sea as they leapt overboard, and the slim hopes of rescue amidst the vast, unforgiving waters.

The response from Milford Haven to these tragic events was swift and heartfelt. The community rallied to support the grieving families, providing financial aid and organising memorial services. The impact of the losses was felt deeply throughout the community, uniting them in their sorrow and their resolve to prevent future tragedies.

The incidents involving other trawlers, like the Ebor, further underscored the widespread nature of the piracy threat at the time. The Ebor, targeted shortly after the initial attacks, managed to survive the encounter but not without enduring its own harrowing tale of gunfire and evasion.

In the aftermath, additional stories emerged of other nationalities involved, such as Russians, Spaniards, and Norwegians, each sharing their own harrowing escape stories. One poignant testimony came from a Spanish survivor, who detailed his traumatic ordeal in broken English, reflecting not only his personal suffering but also the shared human experience of facing death at sea.

Today, as we reflect on these tragic events, our community not only commemorates those who were lost but also looks to learn from the past. The horrors of the 1915 pirate attacks have instilled a collective resolve to enhance safety and security for all maritime workers, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

This National Fishing Remembrance Day, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who went before us, and let their legacy guide our efforts towards a safer and more secure future for the fishing community of Milford Haven and beyond.

IN one of his final duties as Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Thomas Baden Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station yesterday, accompanied by Fire Authority Member Councillor John Davies. The visit included a comprehensive briefing on the services provided by the Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

During their visit, the Council Chairman and Councillor Davies were presented with an in-depth demonstration of the station’s firefighting equipment, focusing on the capabilities of the turntable ladder callsign 31A1. “It was a privilege to see our dedicated firefighters in action and to learn about the sophisticated equipment they use to keep our community safe,” Mr. Tudor remarked.

The engagement highlights the ongoing commitment of Pembrokeshire County Council to support the vital services provided by the fire and rescue teams across the region. This visit also served as an opportunity for council members to see firsthand the challenges and advancements in local firefighting efforts.

Mr. Tudor’s term as Chairman has been marked by his active involvement in community safety and support for emergency services. As he prepares to step down from his role, this visit stands as a testament to his dedication and the strong collaboration between the council and the fire services.

VALERO ENERGY has announced plans to conduct an emergency response drill at the Pembroke Oil Refinery on May 16. Residents in the vicinity are advised that the exercise will involve active participation from local emergency services and will include the use of sirens.

The drill is a routine safety exercise intended to ensure preparedness in the event of an actual emergency. Valero Energy officials have emphasised that there is no cause for concern and that the activities are purely simulation.

Community members can expect to see emergency personnel and hear sirens periodically throughout the day as part of the drill. The company urges residents to remain informed and calm, and to communicate with neighbors, particularly those who may not have received the announcement, to prevent any undue alarm.

Local officials and emergency services are coordinating closely with Valero Energy to facilitate a smooth execution of the drill and to minimize any disruption to the community. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards at the facility and to ensure effective response capabilities in emergency situations.

Residents seeking more information about the drill or with specific concerns can contact Valero Energy’s community relations department or visit their website. The company thanks everyone in advance for their cooperation and understanding as they continue to prioritise safety in the Pembroke area.

Valero says on it’s website: “Training plays an important part in developing and maintaining the skills required to respond effectively to emergency situations.

“We are committed to providing each member of the Emergency Response Team the opportunity to attend training necessary for developing and maintaining the skills and knowledge required to be an ERT member.

“During training, ERT members prepare for a variety of scenarios, expand their skills, share information from experience and mentor new members. At each site, the ERT maintains strong relationships with local community response personnel by participating in joint drills and assessments. 

“Frequent ERT training exercises promote excellent response readiness.”