ST DAVIDS RNLI responded to a Mayday call at 5:55am on Sunday (Jan 19) after a fire broke out on a 19-metre wind farm support vessel, located 12 miles north-west of St Davids Head. Four people were onboard the vessel when the incident occurred.

The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat, Norah Wortley, into the pre-dawn darkness. Upon arrival at the scene, it was confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. Although the vessel’s engines remained unaffected, there were concerns about the fire potentially reigniting. To ensure safety, the lifeboat escorted the stricken vessel to Fishguard Harbour.

At the harbour, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue officers boarded the vessel to conduct safety checks and secure the situation.

St Davids lifeboat was stood down at 9:40am, returning to station by 10:40am.

Jane Palin, Duty Launch Authority for St Davids RNLI, said: “Thankfully, the vessel’s crew managed to contain the fire before our arrival, and all persons onboard were safe. Escorting the vessel to the safety of Fishguard Harbour gave peace of mind to both crews. This was the fourth call-out for the station in five days and demonstrates the commitment of our volunteers, whatever the time of year.”

The RNLI reminds the public of the vital role played by its volunteers, who remain ready to respond to emergencies at any hour.

A MAN has been charged after an incident in Cardigan on Wednesday, January 15.

Police were called to an address in Y Ferwig, Cardigan, shortly before 10:15pm following a report of concerns for the welfare of an infant.

A young child was immediately taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.

Rhydian Jamieson, 27, from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, has been charged with attempted murder.

Jamieson has been remanded into custody and is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 20).

Investigators have expressed gratitude for the support of the community while enquiries continue.

THE TROUBLED HMP Parc prison in Bridgend faced yet another incident today (January 18), with an air ambulance called to respond to a medical emergency involving an inmate suffering from psychosis.

According to the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, the incident unfolded during a visitation session when the inmate, reportedly diagnosed with psychosis, experienced a severe panic attack that left him struggling to breathe. Despite prior warnings from medical professionals about his condition, it is alleged that neither G4S, the private firm managing Parc, nor Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, acted to ensure the prisoner received the treatment he urgently needed.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with children and visitors visibly upset. Reports suggest healthcare staff on-site intervened by administering a “salt shot” to alleviate the inmate’s breathing difficulties, but the situation escalated, leading to the inmate collapsing and requiring emergency evacuation to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for further assessment.

The inmate’s history reveals a troubling pattern of neglect. After a psychiatric assessment on December 13, 2024, he was diagnosed with psychosis and deemed unfit to plead during a court hearing on December 20. The court ordered his transfer to a mental health facility for treatment and anti-psychotic medication. However, as of today, the transfer had not been carried out, leaving the individual untreated for over three months while on remand.

The HMP Prisons Justice Group claims that G4S initially attempted to attribute today’s episode to drug use, a claim that has since been refuted. “When the salt shot was administered, his breathing improved, which wouldn’t have happened if it was drug-related,” the group stated. They accused G4S of using this defense to divert attention from what they describe as systemic neglect.

Campaigners are now calling for urgent reforms to prevent further incidents at Parc Prison. The facility has been plagued by controversy, with ongoing allegations of corruption, inadequate healthcare, and rising violence. Last year alone, assaults on staff increased by 109%, and the prison recorded 17 deaths within 11 months.

The inmate involved in today’s incident is reportedly undergoing psychological assessment at the Heath Hospital, with calls for his immediate sectioning to secure the treatment he needs. Critics argue that the prison’s failure to act on prior court orders highlights the ongoing crisis at Parc.

Campaigners insist that the incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reform at the privately-run facility.

This latest incident raises questions about the prison’s capacity to manage vulnerable inmates and provides further evidence of the deteriorating conditions at Parc Prison, which continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Wales Air Ambulance has confirmed attendance.

Both Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and G4S has been asked to comment.