News
Five rescues in just six days for busy Angle RNLI crew
THE ANGLE RNLI lifeboat was called into action five times over the course of six days, responding to various emergencies both on land and at sea. The series of shouts began on Thursday, 26th September and continued until 1st October.
Dog rescue at West Angle Beach
At 12:17pm on Thursday, 26th September, the lifeboat was requested to launch following a 999 call reporting a dog had fallen over a cliff at West Angle Beach, opposite Thorn Island. The lifeboat quickly made the short journey to the scene and found the dog at the base of the cliff, distressed but otherwise unharmed.
The crew deployed their inflatable Y-boat, and a crew member went ashore to recover the animal. The dog was transferred to the All-Weather Lifeboat and taken to East Angle Bay, where the Y-boat landed it safely ashore into the care of Coastguard Rescue Officers from St Govan’s and Tenby, as well as the relieved owners. With no further assistance required, the lifeboat returned to its berth and was readied for further service by 2:30pm.
Cancelled launch for surfer in difficulty
The following day, Friday 27th September, at 2:39pm, the lifeboat was once again requested to launch following multiple 999 calls reporting a surfer in difficulty at Freshwater West Beach. However, as the crew were preparing to launch, the surfer managed to self-recover to shore, and the launch was subsequently cancelled. The St Govan’s Coastguard Rescue Team was also dispatched to assist during this incident.
Yacht in trouble at Jack Sound
The lifeboat was next paged on Saturday, 28th September, at 3:48pm to assist a 37-foot yacht experiencing difficulties in Jack Sound due to a fuel-related issue. The crew located the yacht just off Gateholm Island, swiftly established a tow, and brought the yacht to Milford Docks. Once off the lock entrance, the yacht regained sufficient power to moor alongside the lock pits, under the lifeboat’s escort. With no further assistance required, the lifeboat stood down and returned to the jetty, ready for further service by 6:15pm.
Machinery failure off South Hook LNG Terminal
The following afternoon, at 12:48pm on Sunday, 29th September, the crew were tasked to assist a 25-foot power vessel suffering from machinery failure and adverse weather conditions near the South Hook LNG Terminal. The Milford Haven Harbour Patrol vessel and the port authority pilot vessel ‘Skomer’ were already on the scene, but due to worsening weather and the vessel’s proximity to the terminal, the lifeboat was requested.
Facing force 8 easterly winds averaging 45 knots, the lifeboat arrived at the scene where the Harbour Patrol was struggling to make headway while towing the vessel. The lifeboat then took over the tow and, with few safe havens available due to the weather, set a course for Hobbs Point. After about an hour, the vessel was safely left alongside the pontoon at Hobbs Point. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to its jetty, ready for service by 4:00pm.
Medical evacuation from warship
The final call came this morning, at 8:05am on 1st October, when the lifeboat was requested to carry out a medical evacuation from a warship just off St Ann’s Head. The casualty, a 20-year-old female, was suffering from appendicitis and required hospital treatment.
The lifeboat launched and quickly located the warship near the port entrance. The crew successfully conducted an underway transfer of the casualty and her colleague via a pilot ladder. They were transported back to the Port Authority Jetty, where an ambulance was waiting to take the patient to hospital. With the casualty in the care of paramedics, the lifeboat stood down and was ready for service again by 10:00am.
The crew and commanding officer of HMS Somerset, the warship involved in the medical evacuation, expressed their gratitude by gifting the RNLI with the ship’s crest in thanks for the assistance.
The dedication and skill of the Angle RNLI crew during this busy period have once again highlighted the crucial role they play in ensuring safety at sea and along the coast.
Education
Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme
MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.
The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.
The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.
This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.
Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.
Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.
“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.
“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”
A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.
For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers
Crime
Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case
A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking.
Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in Hawthorn Rise, faced Swansea Crown Court accused of entering a Pembroke property on August 16 with the intent to steal a mobile phone. Additionally, between September 3 and 19, he allegedly trespassed repeatedly on a woman’s property, made multiple phone calls from an unknown number, and loitered outside her home, causing her significant alarm and distress.
Lepetit denied both charges but accepted responsibility for a lesser stalking offence, which was deemed suitable by Prosecutor Thomas Scapens, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the burglary charge.
Lepetit’s defence, Jon Tarrant, described the circumstances as a result of a “toxic relationship,” stating, “He attempted to reconnect but went beyond acceptable limits.”
Judge Huw Rees ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Lepetit in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 22.
News
Police confirm man found dead in Clarbeston Road property
A MAN has been found dead at a property in Clarbeston Road on Friday (Nov 1).
Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene, with reports later emerging of a significant police presence near The Cross Inn public house.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said “We were called to the Clarbeston Road area, just before 8.15am on Friday 1 November, after concerns were raised for the welfare of a person.
“Sadly, a man was found to have died at the location.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
“We can confirm the death is not being treated as suspicious, and the HM Coroner is being informed.”
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