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Rip current warning after dozens of Pembrokeshire rescues

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COASTGOERS are being urged to take extra care this bank holiday weekend as forecasters predict unusually large waves and hazardous sea conditions across Wales.

The RNLI has highlighted the danger of rip currents after 46 people had to be rescued in Pembrokeshire in just one week earlier this month. Among them were two young children who had drifted outside lifeguarded zones.

Surf conditions on Monday and Tuesday could see waves up to three metres high, particularly on the south and west coasts, increasing the risk to swimmers, surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders.

Chris Cousens, RNLI water safety lead for Wales, said the forecast was exceptional for this time of year: “If we see waves reach three metres, that is far larger than normal. This presents a serious hazard to anyone in or near the water, especially when combined with spring tides.”

Between 9 and 15 August lifeguards dealt with dozens of incidents at Newgale, Tenby Castle Beach and Freshwater West. On a single day at Newgale, 14 people were pulled from rip currents and more than 30 others assisted. At Freshwater West, 16 people were rescued on 8 August, with a further 40 assisted back to safety. At Tenby Castle Beach, lifeguards pulled six people from the sea after they were carried behind St Catherine’s Island by strong currents.

The RNLI says inflatables and stand-up paddleboards have been a factor in several rescues. Parents are also being reminded to keep children within the red and yellow flags, after lifeguards stopped two youngsters from being pulled under earlier this month.

What to do in a rip current

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing out to sea, capable of dragging swimmers away from shore at speeds faster than an Olympic athlete. They often occur in bigger surf or around structures such as piers and river mouths.

The RNLI’s advice is not to swim against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until clear of the rip, or if that isn’t possible, float on your back and signal for help.

James Instance, HM Coastguard divisional commander, added: “With strong waves and high tides forecast, the risk of being swept out is significant. Please stay aware, follow safety advice, and make sure your day at the beach ends safely.”

Bank holiday forecast

Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday are expected to bring warm, sunny weather, with temperatures possibly reaching 26C. But by late Monday the remains of Hurricane Erin could bring stronger winds, rain and rougher seas, adding to the risk along the coast.

The RNLI is urging everyone to use lifeguarded beaches where possible and to keep checking conditions before entering the water.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

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THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.

Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

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Crime

Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood

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A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.

SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST

Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.

The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.

COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION

Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.

Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.

She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.

The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.

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Local Government

Sewage leak at Pembroke Commons prompts urgent clean-up works

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Council pollution officers say they have no enforcement powers over Welsh Water infrastructure

SEWAGE contamination on the Commons in Pembroke has prompted an urgent response from pollution officers, after a leak was reported by a member of the public on Tuesday.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team confirmed they were alerted yesterday afternoon to sewage surrounding a manhole cover on the site. The Herald understands that officers immediately notified Welsh Water (DCWW) network technicians to investigate the incident “as a matter of urgency”.

County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the authority had been clear that it holds no enforcement powers over Welsh Water assets.

“Whilst we work constructively with Welsh Water, we have no authority to intervene on their apparatus or to carry out enforcement action against them for such pollution incidents,” the Pollution Control Team said in a statement shared with the councillor.

Urgent works underway

Council officers visited the site on Wednesday morning alongside contractors and Welsh Water technicians to assess clean-up options. According to the team, works will include cleaning the contaminated ground in and around the manhole cover and fencing off the affected area “until safe”.

Cllr Grimes said officers would return to the scene on Thursday to check on progress and ensure the area is properly secured.

Residents who notice any further issues have been urged to contact the Pollution Control Team directly.

Further updates are expected later this week.

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