TODAY is the inaugural National Fishing Remembrance Day, buy many residents of Milford Haven may not know about the tragic events of 1915, when piracy on the high seas by ‘the enemy’ led to the loss of local fishermen and several trawlers.

In 1915, amidst the backdrop of World War I, Milford Haven’s fishing fleet became the target of ruthless ‘pirate attacks’ as they were reported, which claimed the lives of 47 men and saw the sinking of several trawlers.

These were not isolated incidents but part of a terrifying pattern that emerged during this tumultuous period, carried out by German boats, and submarines, against all British shipping.

The first incident was a brutal attack on the Hirseo.

As the ‘pirates’ opened fire, chaos ensued onboard. The trawler, filled with fishermen, was ill-equipped to handle such an assault. Many crew members were killed instantly, while others, injured and desperate, struggled to survive as the vessel began to sink. The nearby Victoria, in a bid to assist, maneuvered closer but was quickly overwhelmed by gunfire and met the same fate as the Hirseo.

Among those who lost their lives was the chief engineer of the Victoria, Albert Cole, whose earlier premonitions of doom became a grim reality as the ship went down. His final acts, attempting to keep the engine room operational even as the vessel succumbed to the sea, highlighted the bravery and professionalism that defined these men.

Simultaneously, the Belgian trawler Delta B also came under attack. The Delta B, which was fishing in proximity to the British trawlers, was besieged by the same group of pirates. It suffered extensive damage and eventually sank, adding to the day’s toll of devastation. The crew, mostly Belgian nationals, faced a fierce battle for survival as they encountered relentless gunfire and the perilous waters of the Irish Sea.

Survivors from these attacks were few and faced grim odds. Those who were rescued recounted their experiences with palpable grief and trauma. They described scenes of fellow crewmen being struck by bullets, the cold embrace of the sea as they leapt overboard, and the slim hopes of rescue amidst the vast, unforgiving waters.

The response from Milford Haven to these tragic events was swift and heartfelt. The community rallied to support the grieving families, providing financial aid and organising memorial services. The impact of the losses was felt deeply throughout the community, uniting them in their sorrow and their resolve to prevent future tragedies.

The incidents involving other trawlers, like the Ebor, further underscored the widespread nature of the piracy threat at the time. The Ebor, targeted shortly after the initial attacks, managed to survive the encounter but not without enduring its own harrowing tale of gunfire and evasion.

In the aftermath, additional stories emerged of other nationalities involved, such as Russians, Spaniards, and Norwegians, each sharing their own harrowing escape stories. One poignant testimony came from a Spanish survivor, who detailed his traumatic ordeal in broken English, reflecting not only his personal suffering but also the shared human experience of facing death at sea.

Today, as we reflect on these tragic events, our community not only commemorates those who were lost but also looks to learn from the past. The horrors of the 1915 pirate attacks have instilled a collective resolve to enhance safety and security for all maritime workers, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

This National Fishing Remembrance Day, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who went before us, and let their legacy guide our efforts towards a safer and more secure future for the fishing community of Milford Haven and beyond.

THE RNLI St Davids lifeboat crew joined forces with Solva Rowing and Watersports Club for a unique joint training exercise on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The session focused on practising medical evacuation and tow techniques using a Celtic longboat, providing an opportunity for both lifeboat and rowing crews to enhance their rescue skills.

The training aimed to prepare volunteers for a variety of maritime emergency scenarios, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle situations that may arise at sea. The use of the traditional Celtic longboat added an extra layer of challenge and realism to the exercise, simulating conditions that could occur during actual rescue operations.

The collaboration between the two groups was not only a chance for skill enhancement but also a way to strengthen community ties and mutual understanding among the local sea-going organisations. The exercise was documented in photographs by Lyn Jenkins and Cathy Morton, capturing the intense yet constructive nature of the training.

This proactive approach by both the RNLI and Solva Rowing and Watersports Club underscores the commitment of local maritime groups to safety and preparedness, ultimately aiming to ensure that their volunteers are ready and able to save lives at sea effectively.

THE Angle RNLI lifeboat crew demonstrated remarkable dedication and skill in managing four separate emergency callouts over the span of just two days. The series of incidents began at midnight on Friday, 10th of May, when the all-weather lifeboat was launched to investigate reports of red flares over Pennar, Pembroke. Despite an extensive search of the area stretching from the 5A buoy east of Valero to Llanreath and into Pennar Gut, no evidence of distress was discovered and the team was stood down at approximately 1:45am.

The second incident occurred later the same day at 4:58pm, following a mayday call from a vessel between South Hook and Angle. The vessel’s skipper reported an unconscious crew member who had collapsed while fishing. The lifeboat reached the distressed vessel within minutes, where crew members provided immediate medical assistance. The casualty, now conscious and stable, was transported to the Port Authority Jetty, where further medical support awaited.

The crew’s third emergency call of the day came at 7:19pm, prompted by a 999 call reporting four individuals being swept out to sea on two surfboards at Freshwater West Beach. Fortunately, all four were safely out of the water by the time the lifeboat arrived, but the crew conducted a precautionary search to ensure no further individuals were at risk.

On Saturday, 11th of May, at 1:03pm, the crew was again called into action after a report of a person unable to reboard their boat south of Watwick Beach. The individual, who had been recovered from the water by a passing vessel, was safely transferred to the lifeboat. It was found that the casualty’s mirror dinghy had capsized. The lifeboat ferried the individual to the Port Authority Jetty for medical care.

Each of these operations underscores the critical role played by the RNLI and its volunteers in ensuring maritime safety and rapid response to emergencies along the coast.