News
Coastguard helicopter rescues person in distress off Llangrannog Beach
A PERSON in danger in the water off a popular local beach has been plucked to safety by a coastguard helicopter in a multi-agency rescue involving coastguards and local lifeboats.
Just before 7.16pm yesterday, Thursday, June 27, a member of the public contacted coastguards, reporting a person in difficulty in the water off Llangrannog.
Coastguard rescue teams from New Quay, Cardigan, and Fishguard were tasked to the incident, as well as both New Quay lifeboats and the coastguard rescue helicopter.
The New Quay Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and All Weather Lifeboat (ALB), which were out on a training exercise, quickly arrived on the scene. The casualty had managed to get onto a rocky outcrop and was swiftly located.
Due to the precarious position, the ILB could not safely reach the casualty, and the coastguard rescue teams were unable to access the outcrop for a rope rescue. It was determined that a helicopter winch rescue was the only viable option.
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 lowered a winch person onto the outcrop. Meanwhile, coastguard rescue teams prepared a helicopter landing site on Llangrannog Beach.
The casualty was safely winched to the beach and reunited with their family.
“This was a great example of emergency services working together,” said a spokesperson for New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team.
HM Coastguard Cardigan added, “It was great working with all the other services this evening and an excellent result with the person safe and well and back on shore with their family. Well done to all.
“If you see anyone in trouble around the coast, please dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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