Community

Stricken vessel now off Broad Haven as pollution experts stand-by

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2025

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

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

15 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.