TENBY lifeboat crews were involved in a dramatic multi-agency rescue on Saturday morning (Mar 7) after a person suffering from suspected hypothermia was discovered on a remote stretch of coastline.

Both RNLI lifeboats were launched at 9:10am after emergency services were alerted to a casualty on the coast path at Swanlake Bay, around 7.5 miles west of Tenby.

Within minutes the volunteer crews were at sea, making best speed through the morning swell. They reached the scene just 18 minutes after launching, where a complex rescue operation was already unfolding on the isolated beach.

With the all-weather lifeboat holding position offshore to provide safety cover, the inshore lifeboat was tasked with the more dangerous approach. Its helm skilfully navigated through breaking surf to reach the shoreline, allowing two crew members to be put ashore with vital medical equipment.

On land they joined HM Coastguard teams from Tenby and St Govans, along with Dyfed-Powys Police officers, who had also rushed to the scene.

Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust soon arrived to treat the casualty, who was believed to be suffering from the effects of severe cold after being found exposed on the coastal path.

Once the patient had been stabilised, rescuers were faced with a difficult decision. The heavy swell rolling onto the beach meant extracting the casualty by boat would be too dangerous, while the steep and awkward terrain made carrying the patient up to the waiting ambulance extremely challenging.

A decision was made to call in HM Coastguard’s rescue helicopter to complete the evacuation.

The aircraft arrived shortly afterwards and landed directly on the beach. The casualty was carefully loaded onboard alongside paramedics before being flown a short distance and transferred safely to an ambulance waiting on the headland above.

With the patient safely in medical care, the lifeboats were stood down and returned to Tenby, arriving back at the station at 11:25am.

The rescue highlights the vital role of the RNLI’s volunteer crews and the close cooperation between emergency services when dealing with incidents along Pembrokeshire’s rugged coastline.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said the incident was “another great example of multiple agencies working together to assist a casualty.”

Photos: Rescue teams responding at Swanlake Bay (Pic: St Govans Cliff Rescue Team).

A PEMBROKESHIRE MP has said local farmers must be “at the heart” of upcoming UK–EU negotiations aimed at reducing trade barriers on agricultural products.

Henry Tufnell raised the issue with ministers this week, stressing that family farms play a crucial role in the county’s rural economy, culture, and food production.

Speaking about the negotiations, the Labour MP said new arrangements between the UK and the European Union could present a significant opportunity for Welsh agriculture if handled correctly.

Family farms central to talks

Mr Tufnell said he had asked the UK Government to confirm that the interests of farmers in counties like Pembrokeshire would be fully represented as discussions move forward.

“Family farms are the backbone of Pembrokeshire’s rural economy, culture, and food production,” he said.

“The UK’s upcoming negotiations with the EU will reduce trade barriers on agricultural products, presenting a significant opportunity for our local economy.”

He added that ensuring Welsh farmers benefit from improved market access must remain a priority.

“This week I asked the Minister to confirm that Pembrokeshire farmers are at the heart of these negotiations,” he said.

“I will keep working with both the UK and Welsh Labour Governments to ensure that Pembrokeshire farmers get the maximum benefit from our new relationship with the EU.”

Trade opportunities and concerns

Agriculture remains one of the sectors most affected by changes in the UK’s trading relationship with the EU following Brexit.

The European Union was historically the largest export market for British agricultural products, including Welsh lamb and beef, both of which are key industries in Pembrokeshire and across rural Wales.

Reducing regulatory barriers or simplifying export processes could make it easier for farmers to sell produce into European markets.

However, some farming organisations have previously raised concerns that future agreements could also lead to increased competition from imported food products if safeguards are not in place.

The National Farmers’ Union has repeatedly called for any new trade arrangements to protect high standards in animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety.

Importance to Pembrokeshire economy

Farming remains a major part of Pembrokeshire’s economy, with family-run farms producing livestock, dairy, and arable crops across the county.

Many rural communities depend directly or indirectly on the agricultural sector through supply chains, food processing, tourism, and local employment.

Mr Tufnell’s comments come at a time when farmers are also facing rising costs for fuel, fertiliser, and feed, alongside ongoing uncertainty about agricultural support payments following the UK’s departure from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

The MP said he intends to continue raising the issue in Westminster to ensure rural communities in West Wales benefit from any new trading opportunities.

“The priority must be making sure that farmers in Pembrokeshire are supported and able to thrive in the years ahead,” he said.

A HISTORIC former lifeboat has found a new home in Pembroke Dock after being donated to the West Wales Maritime Museum.

The vessel, R.N.L.B. Pentland (Civil Service No. 3), was formally handed over during a small ceremony on Saturday (Mar 7) attended by museum representatives and civic leaders. The lifeboat has been gifted by Rev Mike Brotherton, a former Royal Navy serviceman, who previously owned the vessel.

The handover took place with the boat positioned on the slipway, where supporters and volunteers gathered to mark the occasion. The donation ensures that the historic vessel will now be preserved and displayed as part of the region’s maritime heritage.

Rev Brotherton, who has maintained and cared for the boat during his ownership, said he wanted the vessel to remain in a place where its history could be appreciated by the public.

Also present at the ceremony were Chris Barlow, chairman of the West Wales Maritime Museum, and the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michele Wiggins.

The event included a symbolic presentation involving a folded Union flag, marking the formal transfer of the vessel into the museum’s care.

Chris Barlow welcomed the donation, describing it as an important addition to the museum’s growing collection of maritime artefacts and historic vessels.

He said the Pentland represents an important part of Britain’s lifeboat heritage and will help tell the story of the bravery and dedication of lifeboat crews who risked their lives to save others at sea.

The vessel is a classic RNLI lifeboat design from the mid-twentieth century and was originally built to operate in demanding conditions. Lifeboats of this era were designed for strength and endurance, often launching into severe weather to carry out rescue missions.

Over the decades, boats such as the Pentland played a crucial role around the British coastline, responding to ships in distress, fishing vessel emergencies, and other incidents at sea.

The arrival of the Pentland at Pembroke Dock strengthens the maritime connections of the town, which has a long and proud naval and shipbuilding history.

Pembroke Dock was once home to one of the largest Royal Dockyards in the world and later played an important role in aviation and naval operations during the twentieth century.

The West Wales Maritime Museum works to preserve and share that heritage through its exhibitions, artefacts, and historic vessels. Volunteers continue to develop the museum’s collection and encourage visitors to learn more about the region’s strong links to the sea.

Cllr Michele Wiggins said it was fitting that such an important vessel should now be based in Pembroke Dock, where maritime history remains a central part of the community’s identity.

The Pentland will now be cared for by the museum and is expected to become a feature attraction for visitors interested in lifeboat history and the story of coastal rescue services.

Museum volunteers hope that the donation will also help raise awareness of the RNLI’s long tradition of lifesaving work around the British Isles.

With the lifeboat now safely transferred into the museum’s care, plans are being considered for how it can best be displayed and interpreted for the public.

For the West Wales Maritime Museum, the arrival of the Pentland marks another step in preserving the rich maritime heritage of Pembrokeshire for future generations.

Images: Martin Cavaney/Herald