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Cardigan Bay delayed by crew shortage after vital Gaza mission

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THE Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Cardigan Bay, renowned for its recent humanitarian efforts in Gaza, has returned to UK shores but faces an unexpected obstacle. The vessel is currently stuck in Portland due to a lack of available sailors, delaying its planned journey to Falmouth for a vital refit.

The Cardigan Bay arrived in Portland in early September after more than two years on operations abroad, including a high-profile mission supporting humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Gaza. Despite her distinguished service, the ship cannot proceed to the A&P shipyard in Falmouth, where she is due for a Lloyd’s survey and much-needed maintenance. Crew shortages have left the RFA struggling to find enough certified personnel to navigate the ship on what should have been a routine passage.

During her deployment, Cardigan Bay was re-tasked from operations in the Persian Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean in March 2024, where she played a pivotal role in supporting US-led efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The vessel provided accommodation for over 200 US Army personnel working to build a temporary floating pier, allowing essential supplies to reach the region.

US Army personnel serving as the force protection team for the Gaza humanitarian aid operation pose for a team photo on board the Cardigan Bay, May 2024 (Photo: US Army)

Despite technical challenges on board, including unreliable air conditioning and satellite communications, Cardigan Bay‘s crew displayed exceptional resilience in the face of difficult conditions. Captain Mark Colley praised the team for their “professionalism and resolve” as they helped deliver 8,800 tonnes of food aid, a vital lifeline for the people of Gaza. The operation, however, received little attention from international media, overshadowed by other global events.

Now back in the UK, the Cardigan Bay is caught in a personnel crisis that reflects broader issues within the RFA. For years, the organisation has relied on the goodwill of its mariners to keep operations running, but a long-standing dissatisfaction over pay and working conditions has reached a breaking point. This shortage of sailors has not only delayed the Cardigan Bay‘s refit but also threatens the future operational capabilities of other RFA ships, such as RFA Tidespring, which is also stranded in Portland.

“It’s a worrying sign for the future of the RFA,” one insider commented. “In the past, we could have found volunteers for a short passage like this, but morale has hit rock bottom.”

The situation raises concerns about the RFA’s ability to maintain its fleet and fulfil its essential roles. As a key part of the Royal Navy’s auxiliary force, the RFA supports military operations worldwide, providing logistics, mine countermeasures support, and humanitarian assistance. The inability to crew ships risks undermining these critical functions at a time of increasing global instability.

In stark contrast to the Cardigan Bay’s quiet homecoming, HMS Diamond, which had escorted her through the treacherous Bab el Mandeb Strait, was met with fanfare upon returning from its own challenging deployment. The lack of celebration for Cardigan Bay speaks volumes about the struggles now facing the RFA.

The ship’s delayed refit is expected to cause only minor disruptions in the short term, but longer-term concerns loom large. With a dwindling pool of certified sailors, there is growing speculation that some RFA vessels may never return to active service after undergoing maintenance.

As residents of Cardigan and the wider West Wales area take pride in the ship that bears their town’s name, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cardigan Bay and the RFA as a whole will undoubtedly be of great concern.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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