News

Four rescued as Milford Haven fishing boat sinks

Published

11 years ago

February 13, 2015

Tom Sinclair

All hands saved: The Cesca

Praised: Skipper Jake Bowman-Davies

A DRAMATIC rescue operation unfolded last night (Feb 12), as a Milford Haven based fishing boat sank off the north Wales coast.

An RAF helicopter and a lifeboat were called on to rescue four men after

The Cesca got into difficulties off the Llyn peninsula.

The Herald understands that the boat got into difficulties after she started to take on water. After attempts were made to stop the leak, the captain, Jake Bowman-Davies, took the decision to abandon ship, and a distress call was made to HM Coastguard at 10.20pm.
cesca3 The four-man crew was airlifted from the boat’s life raft to Bangor hospital, but later released.

The Herald has learned that the sixteen-year-old skipper of the vessel was praised by rescuers for his handling of the situation, which led to all hands being saved.

A coastguard spokesperson told The Herald: “Holyhead Coastguard coordinated the rescue of 4 fishermen last night after their vessel started taking on water at the start of its fishing trip.”

“Yesterday the fishing vessel ‘Cesca’ reported that it was on route from Milford to Conwy and was taking on water. The crew were using pumps to try and keep the level on water down but they weren’t able to keep up with the flow. As the situation was getting worse they called the Coastguard for assistance.”

RAF_Rescue_Helicopter “The RAF search and rescue helicopter based at RAF Valley was sent to the scene. Whilst trying to drop more pumps on the fishing vessel the ‘Cesca’s’ engines stopped and the Captain made the decision to abandon ship. The crew were winched by the helicopter and taken to safety.”

HM Coastguard Robert Bowyer said: “It’s often a difficult judgement call for any Captain to call for assistance and even more difficult to leave his vessel, which is his livelihood. By calling for assistance when he did the Captain of the ‘Cesca’ gave the rescue services time to get on scene and try and save his vessel. Although they did have to abandon ship he and his crew are safe and well this morning.”

Flt Lt Al Conner of RAF Valley told the said: “We went with the intention of delivering a pump to help them pump out but all four had abandoned to the liferaft. Flt Sgt Neil Cooper and winch operator Mike Bosier-Wyles got the men aboard, while pilot Wg Cmdr ‘Sparky’ Dunlop kept her steady, and we took them to hospital in Bangor. All the men were ok, although they were cold and wet.”

The cause of the vessel’s sinking remains unknown.

Community

Milford Haven remembers those lost at sea

Published

20 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

Local Government

Jonathan Grimes becomes 647th Mayor of Pembroke

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

JONATHAN GRIMES has said he is “incredibly proud and deeply honoured” after becoming the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

Cllr Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, thanked those who had placed their trust and confidence in him.

He said: “With the support, commitment and dedication of Pembroke Town Council and our wonderful community, I am confident we can meet every challenge together, celebrate our successes, and continue building a brighter and more inclusive future for Pembroke.

“It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor, and I look forward to working alongside the people of Pembroke in the months ahead.”

Cllr Grimes said he was also looking forward to attending this afternoon’s service at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke for the Blessing of the Bells.

He added that he hoped to meet as many people as possible as the town celebrates the return of the historic bells.

News

Paul Davies confirms bid to become next Senedd Llywydd

Published

4 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Senior Conservative MS says he has the experience and procedural knowledge needed for the role

PAUL DAVIES has confirmed that he will put his name forward to become the next Llywydd of the Senedd following growing speculation after the Welsh election.

The former leader of the Welsh Conservatives and long-serving Member of the Senedd said he had decided to stand after discussions with colleagues and encouragement from others.

In a statement issued on Sunday (May 10), Davies said he believed he had the experience needed to champion the Welsh Parliament and oversee proceedings fairly.

He said: “There has been much speculation since the election about who will take on the role of the next Llywydd in the Senedd.

“I want make it clear that, after consultation with colleagues and having been urged to do so by others, I will be putting my name forward to be the next Presiding Officer.

“I have the experience to champion the Welsh Parliament and have a clear understanding of its Standing Orders and procedures.

“As the Temporary Presiding Officer in the previous Senedd, and as a former Committee Chair and Business Manager in the Welsh Parliament, I have the necessary skills to take on this important role.”

The role of Llywydd is one of the most senior positions in the Senedd, with responsibility for chairing debates, maintaining order in the chamber and ensuring parliamentary rules are followed.

Davies, who represents Ceredigion Penfro, has been a prominent figure in Welsh politics for many years and previously served as leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

Sam Kurtz disappointment

Davies’ announcement also comes against the backdrop of disappointment within Welsh Conservative circles after Sam Kurtz failed to win a seat.

Kurtz, the former Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS, had been placed second on the Conservative list in Ceredigion Penfro behind Davies.

That decision was controversial locally, with many party supporters believing Kurtz had built a stronger personal following in Pembrokeshire and was one of the party’s most visible and energetic campaigners in west Wales.

His failure to return to the Senedd is likely to be seen as one of the most significant Conservative casualties of the new electoral system, particularly given his profile in rural affairs, farming, tourism and local campaigning.

There is already speculation about Kurtz’s next move, including rumours that he could seek to stand for Parliament in the future.

However, speaking to The Herald at the declaration, Kurtz was tight-lipped about his plans and even suggested he may return to journalism.

Before entering politics, Kurtz worked in local journalism, including at The Pembrokeshire Herald and the Western Telegraph.

Davies said he was saddened that Kurtz had not been returned, describing him as a hard-working colleague who had given strong service to Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

The announcement comes as parties continue discussions following the historic 2026 Senedd election, which resulted in no overall majority and a dramatically reshaped Welsh political landscape.