Community

Safety first as Milford Haven’s new pilot boat marks end of troubled chapter

Published

6 minutes ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Gary Solomon, who was aboard St Davids during the 2016 collision, helped shape new self-righting vessel Llanion from conception to delivery

GARY SOLOMON stood on the bridge of Llanion and paused.

For most people watching the new pilot boat arrive in Milford Haven, this was a day of engineering pride and port ceremony.

For Gary, it was far more personal.

Almost ten years ago, he was aboard the pilot vessel St Davids when it was involved in a serious collision during a pilot transfer operation with the LNG carrier Lijmiliya.

Three crew members were injured. The vessel was badly damaged. And for those who worked the Haven, the incident became part of a much wider debate about whether Milford Haven’s pilot boats were safe enough for the conditions they faced.

Now, after five years of work, Gary was standing on the bridge of the vessel designed to change all that.

He had been involved in the Llanion project from conception to delivery.

As he showed The Herald the safety features on the boat, he became visibly emotional.

***Launch was emotional day: Gary Solomon***

Later, he wrote online: “It’s been one of the best days and happiness in my career for a long time.

“Feeling so proud and grateful.

“I have been part of the pilot boat committee start to finish, developing this state-of-the-art boat, the most modern pilot boat in the world.

“It’s a journey I have gone through and never forget for big reasons.

“Safety is now close to my heart and hope to keep being part of boarding pilots safely in all weather conditions.

“We have some of the best crews in the world.”

For Gary, and for the wider pilot boat team, Llanion is not just a new vessel. It is the product of hard lessons, difficult memories and a determination that crews working in the Haven should have the safest platform possible.

Built for Milford Haven

The Port of Milford Haven says Llanion has been purpose-built for some of the most demanding pilotage conditions in the UK.

The 22-metre vessel is capable of speeds of up to 30 knots and is powered by two powerful water-jet propulsion systems, giving crews greater manoeuvrability when operating alongside large ships.

It is self-righting, meaning it can recover even after a complete roll-over.

It is also designed to stay afloat even if multiple watertight compartments are flooded.

On board, the vessel carries CCTV to help track people overboard, along with thermal imaging and heat-seeking technology to assist in locating people lost at sea.

The same equipment can also help crews approaching vessels affected by fire by identifying cooler areas.

The result is a pilot boat which, in many ways, is closer to a specialist rescue craft than a traditional harbour launch.

“More like a lifeboat”

***Sarah Thomas-Dawe with Bastian, from Next Generation Shipyards (Image: Herald)***

Sarah Thomas-Dawe, from BMT, which helped support and coordinate the project, said the vessel had been designed around Milford Haven’s unique operational demands.

She said ordinary pilot boats often did not have to cope with anything like the conditions faced off Milford Haven.

“This really was a specialist requirement,” she said.

“It was really important that we worked very closely with the Port Authority, the yard and the operators to make absolutely sure we understood the full complexity of the requirement.”

She said one of the biggest challenges was the sea state the vessel had to handle.

“Ordinarily, a pilot boat might cope with two, three or four metres of swell,” she said.

“This one is designed for six.”

Asked whether Llanion was closer to a lifeboat than a conventional pilot boat, she said: “Yes, I think that would be a pretty good description of it.”

She added that the vessel’s ability to recover from full submersion made it “a very unusual craft”.

Engineering challenge

Bastian, from Next Generation Shipyards, said the construction of Llanion had been an enormous project.

He said the self-righting capability had been one of the biggest technical challenges.

“We had to keep very close track of weight,” he said.

Every component had to be considered carefully to ensure the vessel would perform as designed.

He said reliability had been built into the boat from the start, with redundancy engineered into key systems.

“It wasn’t just about doubling components,” he said.

“That adds weight, cost and affects fuel efficiency.

“It had to be thought through from the ground up.”

The shipyard worked on the vessel for around two years, although the full project has taken around five years from concept to delivery.

Lessons from the past

The arrival of Llanion comes after a difficult chapter in the Port’s pilot boat history.

The previous “Saints Class” boats — St Davids, St Brides and St Govans — became controversial after concerns were raised about their performance and suitability for Milford Haven’s conditions.

In 2018, The Herald reported claims from crew sources that the vessels were “not fit for purpose”, underpowered and difficult to handle in heavy weather.

At the time, questions were also raised after two of the new boats were placed on an operational pause while older vessels remained in use.

The issue carried further controversy because the boats had been built through Mustang Marine, a company part-owned by the Port of Milford Haven before it collapsed into administration and later re-emerged as Mainstay Marine.

The St Davids collision in 2016 gave those concerns a human face.

For Gary Solomon, the lessons were not abstract. They were lived experience.

“Our greatest asset”

***Port Harbourmaster Mike Ryan with Chief Exec Tom Sawyer aboard the Llanion (Image: Herald)***

Tom Sawyer, chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said Llanion represented a major investment in safety.

Speaking aboard the vessel alongside Harbourmaster Mike Ryan, he said the boat mattered not only to the Port but to the whole Milford Haven community.

“This vessel is going to keep people who are very, very dear to us, who we want to keep safe, safe,” he said.

He described Llanion as a “22-metre, jet-powered, self-righting” vessel designed to support crews facing some of the most severe weather conditions encountered by any port authority.

Mr Sawyer said the project had been shaped by lessons from previous experience.

He added: “We’ve spent more on this vessel than we spent on the previous three vessels combined.”

He said the investment was about protecting the people who keep the Waterway moving.

“Our greatest asset is our people,” he said.

A new era

For Milford Haven, Llanion is a statement of confidence in the future of the Waterway.

The Haven remains one of the UK’s most important energy ports, handling large vessels in challenging conditions throughout the year.

Pilot boat crews are at the sharp end of that work.

They operate at night, in rough seas, in poor visibility and alongside some of the largest ships entering UK waters.

The arrival of Llanion means they now have one of the most advanced pilot vessels of its kind.

But behind the technology, the speed and the engineering is a simpler story.

A crewman who lived through one of the most difficult moments in the Port’s recent pilot boat history helped deliver the vessel intended to make sure others are safer in future.

For Gary Solomon, that is why this day mattered.

Community

Step into West Wales history this Half Term with CADW

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to an action‑packed May half term, as Cadw unveils a jam-packed programme of events at castles, abbeys and historic monuments across the nation.

Running from Saturday May 23 to Sunday May 31, the wide range of events invite visitors to step into Wales’ past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands‑on activities designed to spark curiosity and bring Welsh history to life.

With activities ranging from knight school and jester workshops, to adventure trails and bubble animals there is something for all ages to enjoy this May half-term.

Chief Executive of Cadw, Kate Roberts, said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales. This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.
“With children going free with any adult membership, it’s a great-value option for families planning a few days out over the holidays. Cadw members enjoy unlimited access to over 130 historic locations across Wales, alongside a range of exclusive benefits, making it easier than ever to discover something new.”

With over 20 events across the school holidays, highlights from the half term line up will include the Strata Florida Abbey Craft Fayre when the abbey will host local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities, guided tours and more.

Also taking place is the Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman at Laugharne Castle on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday May 31 between 11am and 4pm when Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will bring a playful dose of magic to the day with their fully interactive bubble performances, featuring giant bubbles, bubble animals and even frozen creations. Visitors of all ages can join in the fun, learn a few tricks and take home their own bubble‑filled memories.
For those looking to take advantage of the events available during May half-term, a Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales, offering a unique way to explore Wales’ rich heritage. Children also go free with any adult membership.

A selection of Cadw’s most fascinating historic places will also be open for guided tours throughout the summer.

To find out more, visit https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/guided-tours-cadw

Community

Call for Welsh Government decision on DARC space radar

Published

8 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL has been lodged for the contentious DARC ‘space radar’ scheme in Pembrokeshire to be decided by Welsh Government rather than county planners.

In an application recently submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council following a public consultation, the Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antenna and a long list of associated works at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy for a worldwide network of sensors called the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) to track active satellites and other objects which would utilise three sites worldwide, part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, in the USA, the UK and Australia “enabling 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions”.

In late 2023, Cawdor Barracks was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement says of the DARC scheme: “This capability is critical to protect and defend the services provided by satellites, ensuring continuity and resilience against collisions or debris-related incidents.

“Without DARC, the UK faces a significant risk of losing access to these vital services, which would have severe consequences for national security, economic stability, and public safety.”

It says the scheme would create 90 full time equivalent construction jobs, and, when operational, will result in the creation of 60 full time equivalent jobs including operation, maintenance and security staff.

St Davids City Council members recently unanimously opposed the pre-application consultation proposals, and public objectors have raised concerns with protests recently taking place outside the barracks and County Hall, Haverfordwest, and former First Minister Eluned Morgan called for the scheme to be put on hold while Donald Trump is President of the USA.

Campaign group PARC against DARC, set up in 2024 to oppose scheme, has submitted an official request to ‘call in’ the application for DARC radar to the newly formed Plaid Cymru Welsh government, citing what it describes as “an extremely promising step forward for the campaign with an anti-DARC Plaid Cymru government now elected in the Senedd”.

A ‘call-in’ means the application could be decided at Welsh Government level rather than by county planners.

Campaigners argue that DARC should be called in to Welsh Government on the basis that it is “clearly a nationally significant development that lies well outside of the scope for consideration of Pembrokeshire County Council alone,” urging that it is called in so that a “fair and appropriate consideration of the suitability of a development that is so widely opposed can be placed within the context of the national priorities of Wales going forward”.

Plaid Cymru voted at their national conference in October 2024 to take action to oppose the project.

Anyone wishing to comment on the application before the county council has until May 20.

Pembrokeshire-based Jerome Flynn, who was first famous for his roles in Soldier Soldier, Robson & Jerome and more recently Game Of Thrones has described the scheme as “the most unspeakably abominable planning application led by the US military, backed by Donald Trump to place 27 radar dishes right on the edge of our beloved coastal national park”.

Community

Milford Haven mourns loss of ‘legend’ Muci Power

Published

16 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Lord Kitchener landlord

TRIBUTES have flooded in from across Milford Haven following the death of Alan Edward Thomas “Muci” Power, remembered as a “true legend” and one of the town’s best-known characters.

Mr Power, affectionately known as Muci, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, May 10, aged 79.

Best known to many as the former landlord of the Lord Kitchener public house in Milford Haven — affectionately known as “The Kitch” — Muci became a familiar and much-loved figure in the town, known for his humour, friendship and larger-than-life personality.

The devoted husband of Meryl, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a family at the centre of Milford life, while countless friends have spoken of the memories they shared with him over many years.

The Royal British Legion paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace, Muci. You will be dearly missed by us all here at the Royal British Legion. Thank you for the memories and your presence in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones during this difficult time.”

Hundreds of tributes have also been posted online, with many describing Muci as a “Milford legend” whose passing marks the end of an era.

Friends remembered good times at The Kitch, where Muci was at the heart of local life for many years.

Ryan Hackett wrote: “Will have a T.A.C. for you mate on Tuesday. Will miss you Matey. Another Milford legend gone.”

Simon Jenkins said: “Muci was one in a million, a true legend. Milford has lost a true gent.”

Many spoke of his warmth and generosity, with Nigel Hackett thanking him for “being there when I needed someone.”

Muci was the devoted husband of Meryl, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Karl and Claire, and Hayley and Roy, proud grandfather of Morgan, Sam, Caitlin and Jay, and adored great-grandfather of Amalie.

His funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30am.

For those wishing to pay their respects, the hearse will leave the Lord Kitchener, Charles Street, Milford Haven, at 10:40am.

Immediate family flowers only.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel: 01646 693180.