News

Yachtsman fined after ferry near-miss

Published

9 years ago

November 28, 2014

Near miss: Andrew Humble
tracked in front of the ferry

ON MONDAY (Oct 27), an experienced sailor appeared in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after he broke Milford Haven Harbour bylaws by obstructing commercial shipping in his vessel. Andrew Humble, aged 59 of Market Street in Haverfordwest pleaded guilty to the charge. In August this year, Humble was master of the vessel ‘Selukwe’, which ‘tacked right in front of a ferry’ when returning from Ireland. On that day, a yacht race involving five yachts was taking place, which had to be called off due to The Port Authority fearing there could be a complication involving the Irish Ferry, which had to ‘take action to avoid the yacht’.

Alistair Veck, Milford Haven Port Authority’s solicitor said: “It was a near miss in the Milford Haven waterway. Salukwe impeded the route of the ferry”, and in a statement, the ferry’s captain said: “Salukwe tacked right in front of us.” Humble told the court that he now knew he tacked on to the ferry’s course and that he takes the requirement to avoid commercial shipping ‘very seriously’.

Magistrates fined him £200 and ordered him to pay £775.80 court costs and £20 victim surcharge. Bill Hirst, Harbourmaster of the Port of Milford Haven told The Herald: “Mr Humble’s prosecution highlights an extremely important issue of safety of which all users of the river need to be aware. In recent years there have been several incidents where leisure craft have impeded the ferry entering and leaving the Haven.

This successful prosecution should act as a warning to others. The Port of Milford Haven works hard to ensure all river users from kayaks to supertankers can share the waterway in safety. But there are times when your safety and that of others becomes your responsibility. Despite repeated horn warnings from the Irish Ferry, Mr Humble failed to act as it approached, believing he was in the clear.

The Irish Ferry’s speed at this time was close to 20 knots. It would be covering one nautical mile in just three minutes. Mr Humble, skippering his yacht in the Dale regatta yacht race, would have had little time to react to a potential collision if the ferry had not altered course and left the navigable channel. Leisure craft must not impede any vessel that, because of its size, needs to remain in the deep channel.

The Port of Milford Haven works closely with leisure users through the Marine Leisure manager and Water Ranger to get this message out and will on occasion limit the movements of large vessels to allow regattas and other events to take place. However, if you are in charge of any vessel responsibility for your own safety often comes down to you alone.”

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.

You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.

You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).