News

Microlight pilot escapes from Cleddau crash

Published

8 years ago

March 17, 2017

Pulled out: The microlight was visible in the water

A MICROLIGHT aircraft crashed into the River Cleddau last Thursday (Mar 9), however there were no serious injuries as the pilot luckily escaped the aircraft and reached the shore.

Angle RNLI said on their Facebook page: “The ALB launched at 17.54 to reports of a Microlight aircraft that had crashed into the water, off Rudders Boatyard, Burton.

“Also responding to this incident was a local Range Safety vessel, Dyfed- Powys Police, Ambulance, Coastguard Rescue Officers and two leisure craft.

“Whilst arriving on scene, we were informed that the single occupant had swum to the shore adjacent to Burton and transferred to Rudders Boatyard by a local RIB.

“The Y Boat was launched and two crew went ashore to gather more information whilst the paramedics were assessing the casualty. As no assistance was needed ashore, the Y Boat searched the shoreline whilst the ALB searched the main channel for any debris.

“With no sightings, the Y Boat was recovered and the ALB returned to station at 19.20.”

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police were called at approximately 5.50pm on Thursday 9th March 2007 to a report of a microlight having entered the River Cleddau in the Burton area of Milford Haven.

“The man had already left the water on police arrival. The AAIB has been informed.”

Alastair Pollard of Rudders Boatyard was involved in the rescue of the pilot.

He told The Herald: “At 5.42pm, Keith Allen who lives by the river at Jenkins Point and has one of the moorings that we maintain for him, called to ask if I had just seen the microlight crash into the Haven, just below the overhead power lines.

“I said that I had not as I was just finishing off some repairs in our boatshed. He explained what had just happened and I said I would immediately launch our inflatable boat and see if I could help the pilot.

“As I made for our boat another customer of ours, Jamie Boha who has a yacht wintered ashore here was standing on the hammerhead, already in contact with the coastguard via his mobile. He said he saw the microlight hit the water and flip over at least once as it went in.

“Miraculously the pilot still looked to be afloat although by now there was no sign of the microlight. While launching our rescue boat from the pontoon I relayed my mobile number to the coastguard so we could keep in touch. Fortunately, I reached the pilot just as he was already pulling himself out the water on the other side of the Milford Haven waterway just opposite our boatyard and moorings.

“Although clearly shaken from the impact, the pilot had the wherewithal to be able to pull one of his gloves off after he went down in order to release his buckle and swim free. The microlight had then started to sink so the pilot had sensibly ditched his aircraft & helmet and made a swim for the shore, albeit in a heavy flying suit with lots of warm but heavy clothing underneath.

“Fortunately the pilot was clearly a competent swimmer and although he had probably been in the water and swimming for the shore in these cold tidal winter waters for about 15 minutes, he had made it.

“He was just clambering ashore as I reached him, slightly hypothermic and soaked to the skin, but still in good humour and pleased to be alive. It seems the setting sun had blinded him and he had desperately wanted to avoid the power lines. Fortuitously we have just had nice new ‘monsoon showers’ installed at Rudders so I was able to get him aboard and race him back to our boatyard to get him warmed back up.

“In the meantime, I have to say all credit has to go to our Coastguard, Police, RNLI & Port Authority services who really seem to be able to respond well in such a situation. I was fortunate enough to have been alerted by various friends and customers and be right on the spot when all this happened but just as I was bringing the pilot back to warm him up at our place, the coastguard / range vessel arrived, closely followed by a leisure boat that had also presumably responded to a CH16 emergency, the Police Boat and the Port Authority boat – all within literally minutes of one another.

“It was truly reassuring to know what everyone is capable of around here when we truly need them!”

“As the pilot was warming himself back up under the shower, the coastguard, medic, police, coastguard services, ambulance and relatives all also arrived at Rudders by road.

“Once checked out, warm, dry and wearing some of my clothes I had lent him, the pilot was then taken into the ambulance and then off for further checks at the hospital.”

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards