News

Date set for Ocean Ski Race

Published

10 years ago

May 3, 2016

ON SATURDAY (Apr 9) Benjamin Edom invited The Herald to join him and Blue Ocean Adventures in the filming of the promotional video for the up and coming Fishguard Bay Ocean Ski Race.

Embarking on the family business’ 600-horse-power rib boat at 9am The Herald was joined by film students, who under the instruction of Benjamin were to film the racers in a number of scenarios.

The rib set off from St Justinian’s with another boat from Voyages of Discovery and set course for Porthgain along the coast past the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy where the official race is to begin later this year, carefully avoiding a pod of dolphins as we sped around the St Davids headland.

Once at the small harbour village the ocean ski paddlers performed a number of sprint starts which were being filmed from both vessels as well as from the air by drone.

Benjamin explained: “Emerging from Porthgain’s minute and spectacular harbour were 9 high-tech racing machines – 7 ocean skis and 2 ocean canoes most of whom had travelled hundreds of miles for this chance to paddle their extreme sea-going racing boats in our world-class coastal seas.”

The paddlers took to the very choppy open sea out of the bay and began to catch the waves allowing them to propel themselves forward at impressive speeds using the tide, waves and wind to their advantage.

Benjamin described how similar conditions on the day of the race would make the race a challenging one: “The wind had been up the night before, so the sea outside Porthgain showed us pretty quickly that any race along this stretch of the Pembrokeshire coastline would be a real challenge”

After the filming at Porthgain was finished, and Mike and Sam Rodgers who man and operate Blue Ocean Adventures’ boat were satisfied that all paddlers were within the harbour walls, the rib shot off back along the coast, this time meeting huge waves, which Mike had to tactfully steer between.

Despite the rough sea conditions Sam (Mike’s son) was still able to throw in a few bits of his acquired knowledge from usually operating the wildlife tours around Ramsey Island, he explained to us about the various sea birds we encountered and was also able to explain the specific subspecies and gender of a seal which had been following us.

Along with the film crew and Benjamin, The Herald took to Goodwick harbour where the ocean ski paddlers had relocated to commence the second bout of filming.

At Goodwick the paddlers and film team fought against the tide to get the best footage in the little time they had available, but were still able to get many ‘finishing’ scenes completed, demonstrating the scenery, location and sea-environment that paddlers from the across the globe will be facing at the full 25km race over the weekend of September 24 – 25.

Willem Prinsloo a South African ocean skier spoke about paddling in our county’s waters: “What a wonderful experience being on a surfski offshore in Pembrokeshire. The Atlantic offers everything an ocean paddler could wish for – big rolling swells and a good following wind will guarantee a fast, challenging race that will test the best of the best.

“Throw in the mix stunning scenery and people passionate about the sea and their environment with the organising skills to match, and you have a race that is equal to any in the world. Bring it on!”

Another paddler from Port Talbot, Scot Cuthertson said: “I have enjoyed the sea around South Wales all my life. The Pembrokeshire coast is some of the most spectacular in the UK and to experience it from a craft that’s absolutely suited to our weather is fantastic.

“Surf Skis are launched when most other boats are safely moored up. We surf the offshore swells, reaching quadruple the speed of paddle power alone.”

“The Fishguard race will deliver the pleasure and excitement all paddlers travel the world to search for. The waters and the scenery along the Pembrokeshire coastline will be the inspiration for many a tale in the years to come.” said Gaven Mumberson from Zimbabwe.

Outrigged.co.uk’s John Galilee spoke about the race to be: “This is most definitely an ocean race and we can expect conditions that a Hawaiian six man canoe will relish. A beach start, a stunning rocky coastline with the tide pushing, a good chance of wind and swell helping us too. There’ll be tide induced bumps round the headlands whatever the weather, while the start and finish have great access for trailers which is important for these canoes.”

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

12 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.