Community

Tenby swimmer’s lost watch turns up 150 miles away in Ireland

Published

8 months ago

May 6, 2025

RNLI highlights importance of floatation devices after incredible cross-sea journey

A SWIMMER who lost her watch during an open water swim in Tenby was stunned to discover it had washed up 150 miles away—on a remote beach in Ireland.

Martina Morgan, originally from South Africa and now living in Pembrokeshire, was enjoying a group swim off Tenby’s popular North Beach in early April when she noticed that her Garmin sports watch had come loose from the flotation belt she was using.

The watch, a Christmas gift from her husband Ed, had been secured to a yellow open-water float. But as she spotted it drifting away into deeper waters, her friends urged her not to take the risk of swimming after it.

“I was gutted,” Martina told The Herald. “It was quite far out by the time I noticed. I waved goodbye to it and thought that was the last I’d ever see of it.”

Three weeks later, however, she received a phone call from an Irish number. Environmental artist Sean Corcoran had discovered the watch in a small bay known as Ladies Cove, near Waterford in south east Ireland.

Mr Corcoran, who is known locally for his beach artworks and shoreline clean-up efforts, said he had to scramble down a steep cliff to reach the remote cove.

“When I found the float and saw there was a watch attached, it felt a bit like finding a message in a bottle,” he said. “I charged it and when it came on, I saw it was working perfectly—and had a phone number on it.”

A quick post on the Facebook group “I am Waterford” sparked a flurry of replies. Within 20 minutes, contact was made with Martina’s husband Ed, who confirmed she was safe and well.

The story has since gone viral online and was picked up by RNLI Tenby, who shared it to remind swimmers of the importance of carrying flotation aids when swimming in open water.

A spokesperson for RNLI Tenby said: “While this was a lucky and heartwarming outcome, it’s a great example of how flotation devices not only save lives—but sometimes your Christmas presents too!”

The watch is due to be returned by post this week.

“I’m so grateful to Sean and everyone in Ireland who helped get it back to me,” said Martina. “It’s been on quite a journey, and I’ll definitely keep using it—hopefully a little more securely next time!”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.