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Dark fleet collision sparks safety fears for Milford Haven-bound vessels

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Rogue tankers pose rising threat to global shipping routes

A MAJOR maritime collision off the coast of Fujairah has raised urgent safety concerns for vessels operating out of Milford Haven, one of the UK’s largest oil and gas ports.

The crash, which took place in the early hours of Monday (June 17), involved the VLCC Front Eagle, operated by Anglo Eastern, and a suspicious cargo vessel named Adalynn, widely reported to be part of the so-called “dark fleet” – a group of ships that sail with their transponders turned off, often transporting sanctioned oil.

Concerns for ships bound for Pembrokeshire: Dark Fleet poses a threat

Fire on both ships

According to the vessel’s owner, Frontline, a fire broke out on deck after the impact but was contained. All crew aboard Front Eagle were reported safe. However, satellite imagery showed intense flames on the Adalynn, and her condition remains unclear.

The incident occurred just 15 nautical miles from Fujairah and near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz – a vital chokepoint for global energy exports.

Milford-bound crews could be at risk

While this event took place far from Pembrokeshire, maritime experts warn that the rising number of such incidents globally has serious implications for UK-bound vessels, particularly those approaching Milford Haven from oil-rich regions in the Middle East, Africa, or Russia.

“These dark fleet vessels operate unpredictably,” one shipping analyst told The Herald. “They may not appear on radar, don’t respond to standard maritime calls, and are often old, uninsured, and poorly maintained – posing serious collision risks.”

Recent shadow fleet incidents
The Adalynn collision is the latest in a string of dark fleet-related incidents. Other recent examples include:

  • June 18, 2025 – Australia sanctions 60 ships: The Australian Government sanctioned 60 Russian-linked dark fleet tankers, citing safety and regulatory violations.
  • May 13, 2025 – Baltic Sea standoff: Russian-linked tanker Jaguar refused inspection by the Estonian Navy, prompting NATO surveillance and military aircraft intervention.
  • December 25, 2024 – Gulf of Finland cable strike: The shadow fleet tanker Eagle S severed the Estlink 2 undersea power cable after dragging anchor, prompting an investigation.
  • July 2024 – Collision off Malaysia: The tanker Ceres I collided with Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile, resulting in fires on both vessels.

These incidents underscore the growing hazards to compliant shipping, especially as shadow fleets multiply in the wake of global sanctions against Iran, Venezuela, and Russia.

Implications for Milford Haven

As a major hub for LNG imports, crude oil, and refined fuels, Milford Haven’s port operations are directly affected by the increased risks posed by rogue tankers during the approach and departure stages of international voyages.

While UK waters remain heavily regulated, vessels en route to Pembrokeshire often pass through high-risk zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Baltic Sea.

Port authorities, insurers, and vessel operators are now reassessing routing strategies, safety training, and emergency protocols to account for the rising presence of these unregulated tankers.

Investigation ongoing

The cause of the Fujairah collision remains under investigation by local and international maritime authorities. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming days, but early reports point to the likely failure of standard collision avoidance procedures due to one or both vessels operating without active AIS (Automatic Identification System).

A global issue, with local consequences

With more than 50 shadow fleet incidents logged since early 2023, shipping companies and port authorities across the globe are on alert. For Pembrokeshire’s seafarers and port operators, the message is clear: while the risk may lie thousands of miles away, the consequences could sail straight into Milford Haven.

 

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The gentle giant behind the tattoos

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Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

 

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150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

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A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

 

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Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

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Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

 

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