A dramatic turn of events has seen the survey vessel KMS Terramare redirected to Broad Haven, where it is set to be intentionally beached this morning (Jan 15) on the outgoing tide. Pollution experts are on alert as concerns mount over potential environmental risks.

The vessel, which was stranded at Newgale Beach on Tuesday (Jan 14), was successfully refloated last night and towed west of Skomer Island. However, its attempt to enter the Port of Milford Haven was reportedly denied, forcing it to return towards Broad Haven.

Vodafone connection

It has emerged that the KMS Terramare was conducting operations on behalf of Vodafone, reportedly surveying subsea cables to connect high-speed fibre optic services from Ireland to Brawdy Business Park. While Vodafone confirmed the vessel was managed by a licensed subcontractor, the company declined to provide further details, citing “commercial sensitivity.”

A spokesperson for Vodafone commented: “We can confirm that a licensed subsea cable survey ship being managed by a subcontractor experienced some technical difficulties when seeking to leave Newgale beach in Pembrokeshire at high tide yesterday. We expect the issue to be resolved soon.”

Timeline of events

The vessel’s troubles began when it suffered engine failure at Newgale, leaving it broadside on the beach and battered by high tides. Efforts by St Davids RNLI Lifeboat to tow the 100-tonne vessel and load salvage pumps were abandoned on Tuesday due to challenging conditions.

On Wednesday evening (Jan 15), St Davids Lifeboat was called out again at 7:59pm to provide salvage pumps and escort the vessel towards Milford Haven. Despite assistance from Angle RNLI and local Coastguard teams, the vessel failed to reach the port, instead anchoring off Broad Haven. St Davids Lifeboat returned to station at 4:10am.

However, the drama continued just hours later when lifeboats were called out for a third time at 10:35am to assist the KMS Terramare near Broad Haven.

Community response

Local photographers and onlookers, including Gareth Davies of Hidden Pembrokeshire, have captured the unfolding drama, which has drawn significant attention in the area. The vessel’s connection to a major fibre optic project has added another layer of intrigue to an already complex situation.

A vessel in distress

The 24.5-metre, 100-tonne KMS Terramare first became stranded on Newgale Beach after experiencing engine failure, leaving it unable to maintain its position and forcing it broadside onto the pebbles. High tides and pounding waves inundated the deck, creating a precarious situation for the vessel and its crew.

HM Coastguard requested assistance from St Davids RNLI at 6:28pm on Tuesday. The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched swiftly into challenging conditions, with three-to-five-foot surf waves crashing against the shingle ridge at high tide. Despite best efforts, salvaging the vessel proved impossible.

RNLI Coxswain Will Chant explained: “The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible. However, it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of the vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow. Once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.”

The crew of the KMS Terramare safely disembarked onto the beach, while the vessel remained grounded at Newgale until it was refloated late on Tuesday night.

Pollution concerns

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the vessel approaches Broad Haven. While no immediate pollution has been reported, the prolonged ordeal raises concerns about fuel leaks or other environmental damage. Pollution response teams are on stand-by to mitigate any potential hazards.

Refused entry to Milford Haven

Questions remain about the vessel’s future. The vessel is now off Broad Haven having been refused entry into Milford Haven for the time-being. Maritime experts will assess the vessel for damage and potential environmental risks before deciding the next steps.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, said: “The Port is aware of and engaged with all relevant agencies, including owners, salvors, MCA, and HMCG, regarding a situation with a survey vessel.

“Due to there being no risk to life but potential for a damaged vessel to present a navigational and/or pollution hazard to the Milford Haven Waterway’s marine environment and its core energy cargo operations, permission to enter was refused.

“This will remain the case until a clearer understanding of the position is obtained.

“As the UK’s leading energy port, operating in a Special Area of Conservation, we must do all we reasonably can to protect the sensitive marine environment and ensure the safe continuity of the country’s energy supplies.

“We are working with all parties to support a successful outcome for the vessel.”

The Herald will continue to provide updates on this evolving story.

Community watches: Residents and authorities alike are bracing for the vessel’s beaching and its potential implications.

Cover photo: Carrie Garner

AS VALENTINE’S DAY approaches, Tenby has been named the UK’s top seaside destination for couples in new research. The study, carried out by OLBG, evaluated various factors such as entertainment, affordability, and user reviews from platforms including TripAdvisor, Google, and Kayak.

Tenby tops the list

With an impressive score of 7.71 out of 10, Tenby stands out among other coastal towns, excelling in several key areas:

• 6.4 pubs per 1,000 people, including 2.4 offering live music.
• 19.3 restaurants per 1,000 people, ranking second-highest on the list.
• A stellar Google beach review score of 4.8/5.

This charming town offers both a vibrant nightlife and a diverse range of dining options, making it the ideal romantic retreat.

St Ives and Lyme Regis secure the runner-up spots

St Ives, Cornwall, ranks second with a score of 7.29. Known for its excellent weather, the town boasts the lowest annual rainfall of the destinations analysed (673mm) and just 97 rainy days per year. Key attractions include the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and St Ives Museum.

Lyme Regis, affectionately called the “Pearl of Dorset,” comes in third place with a score of 7.24. The town blends natural beauty with historic charm, featuring highlights like the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium. With 4.3 pubs per 1,000 people and 1.9 offering live music, it’s an excellent choice for entertainment.

Key findings from the research

• Best for Pubs: Southwold, Suffolk, leads with 11.6 pubs per 1,000 people, including popular spots like the Sole Bay Inn.
• Best for Nature: Bamburgh, Northumberland, excels in natural attractions, offering 9.3 parks per 1,000 people, perfect for nature lovers.

A FLAGSHIP Welsh Government scheme aimed at tackling fuel poverty would take about 125 years to support every low-income household at the current rate, the Senedd heard.

Mark Isherwood, the Conservatives’ shadow housing secretary, warned the Warm Homes Nest programme has insufficient funding to address the scale of fuel poverty.

Pointing to an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency of fuel-poor households, he told the Senedd that the scheme supports about 1,600 homes a year.

He said: “At the current rate… it will take well over a century to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of all our lower income households currently estimated to be in fuel poverty.

Mr Isherwood, who represents North Wales, urged Welsh ministers to allocate an estimated £170m from UK Government spending on warm homes for the same purpose in Wales.

Siân Gwenllian, his Plaid Cymru counterpart, echoed concerns about the pace of change, with more than 200,000 households estimated to be living in fuel poverty.

The Arfon Senedd member warned of a lack of clarity on the policy objective, with the Warm Homes programme “somehow” seeking to balance net zero and fuel poverty.

Ms Gwenllian said: “In some cases, both things could go hand in hand. But it can also lead to conflict when you’re trying to achieve two policy objectives within a single programme.”

She pointed to the example of uncertainty around the boiler repair scheme beyond March.

Her Plaid Cymru colleague Llŷr Gruffydd said investment is “woefully short” of what’s required, with Wales having the least energy-efficient housing in western Europe.

The North Wales politician told the Senedd: “While there are good things happening, they’re not happening at the pace or the scale required to make an impact.”

Sioned Williams raised concerns about the Welsh Government’s “out-dated” fuel poverty estimates which pre-date the energy and cost-of-living crisis.

“That survey is meant to be updated every five years but here we are, eight years on, approaching nine, with no update and no sign of one,” said the Plaid Cymru MS.

Raising the example of a couple in their late 70s who live off grid in his Newport East constituency, John Griffiths called for support to be tailored to people’s circumstances.

Jenny Rathbone, a fellow Labour backbencher, said: “In the main two postcodes for my constituency, CF23 and 24, 2019 and 2021 were the bumper years for retrofits.

“But we’re talking 105 and 103 in each of these years, which is obviously very welcome for those homes but a drop in the sea compared with the huge need there is in the private sector, which is where all the coldest homes now are.”

In a statement to the Senedd on January 14, Jayne Bryant set out Welsh Government action aimed at making homes warmer and lowering bills while tackling the climate emergency.

The housing secretary, who was appointed in July, said the Welsh Government has invested more than £30m in the revamped Warm Homes Nest scheme.

Ms Bryant, who is also responsible for councils, said: “We’re tackling fuel poverty through a two-pronged strategy: providing expert advice to Welsh households while delivering physical improvements to our least energy efficient homes, which cost more to heat.

“Our renewed programme, launched in April, is already making a real difference.”

Ms Bryant encouraged anybody worried about their energy bill or heating their home to call the scheme’s freephone number, 0808 808 2244.