News
Major rescue operation as yacht runs aground off Gateholm Island
A MULTI AGENCY rescue operation took place this morning after a yacht ran aground off Gateholm Island.
Angle Lifeboat, Little Haven Lifeboat were launched to aid the stricken vessel. On land, Broad Haven Coastguards and Dale Coastguards were dispatched to the scene to prepare an impromptu helicopter landing zone for the Coastguard chopper Rescue 187.
The rescue operation was co-ordinated by the Coastguard HQ in Milford Haven.
A statement on Dale Coastguard Facebook page said: “Casualty was successfully winched aboard helicopter and transferred to our care at the helicopter landing site.
A spokesperson from the Coastguard agency said: “A skipper wearing a life-jacket has been rescued by the St Athan Coastguard helicopter after jumping onto nearby rocks when his yacht sank earlier today.
“Just after 8am today HM Coastguard received a VHF Mayday broadcast on Channel 16 from the skipper of the 31ft yacht suffered engine failure and hit rocks outside Gateholm, near Milford Haven.
“HM Coastguard immediately issued a Mayday relay broadcast in the area requesting assistance from other vessels in the area.
“The skipper, who was wearing all the right kit including a life-jacket, managed to clamber onto nearby rocks just before his yacht sank.
“Angle Lifeboat RNLI, Little & Broad Haven Lifeboat, HM Coastguard Dale, Broad Haven and St Govans Coastguard Rescue Teams were all sent to assist, along with the St Athan Coastguard helicopter. The skipper was winched to safety by Coastguard helicopter and placed on the cliff top into the care of Coastguard Rescue Teams on scene. Thankfully, despite his ordeal he was uninjured and required no medical treatment.
Robert James, from HM Coastguard told The Herald: “Thankfully, the skipper was wearing all the appropriate safety gear including a lifejacket, which no doubt would have aided his survival should the worst have happened and he ended up in the water. He was also able to raise the alarm on the VHF radio which enabled us to send help very quickly to him.
“Remember, if you’re going out on the water, make sure that you take a good method of communication with you. On a boat a VHF DSC radio is ideal, and a mobile phone in a sealed plastic bag is a good back up. Call 999 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency at sea, and of course wear your life-jacket. This could have been a very different outcome today had he not been wearing his lifejacket and we commend his actions, which have assisted in saving his life.”

Business
Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth
A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.
Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.
The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.
Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.
They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.
“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”
The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.
They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.
“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.
The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.
The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.
Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.
News
Sea Sunday service at St Davids honours those with lives shaped by the sea
SEAFARERS, lifeboat crews and all those whose lives and livelihoods depend upon the sea were remembered during a special service at St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (July 12).
The annual Sea Sunday service, known in Welsh as Sul y Môr, brought worshippers and representatives of the wider community together to recognise the contribution made by seafarers and to pray for their safety and wellbeing.
The service was held at 11am and sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir, with the sermon delivered by the Revd Dr Jonathon Wright, Priest-in-Charge within the Greater Dewisland Ministry Area.
Among those attending were the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, the Dean of St Davids, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Roger Smith and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Andrew Phillips.

Sea Sunday is marked by churches and maritime communities around the world each July. It provides an opportunity to remember the people who work at sea, often spending long periods away from their homes and families while facing isolation, dangerous conditions and unpredictable weather.
It also recognises the vital role played by those working in merchant shipping, fishing, rescue services and ports.
The Mission to Seafarers has chosen “Harbours of Hope: The Church Alongside Seafarers” as its theme for Sea Sunday 2026, highlighting the practical and pastoral support offered to crews in ports around the world.
More than 90 per cent of the goods used in everyday life are transported by sea, making the work of seafarers essential to communities and economies across the globe.
That connection has particular meaning in Pembrokeshire, where the sea remains central to the county’s identity.
The coastline supports commercial shipping, fishing, tourism and watersports, while RNLI volunteers and other emergency services regularly respond when people get into difficulty around the coast.
St Davids RNLI had encouraged members of the community to attend Sunday’s Cathedral service, which offered a moment to give thanks for all those who work on or beside the water.
Bishop joins the dancing
Following the service, the occasion took a more light-hearted turn when Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan joined visiting members of Whitchurch Morris outside the Cathedral.
The Diocese of St Davids jokingly described the moment as “dance-bombing”, as the Bishop and Canon enthusiastically waved handkerchiefs and attempted the traditional steps alongside the dancers.
A video of the performance quickly attracted a warm response online.
Margaret Nock commented: “Not all bishops would do that! Da iawn.”
Helen McDermott added: “Fantastic! Aren’t we a lucky Diocese.”
Others praised the Bishop’s dancing, while several people said they wished they had been at the Cathedral to see the performance.
Whitchurch Morris were visiting Pembrokeshire as part of a planned weekend of traditional dancing with Wessex Morris Men and Treacle Eater Clog.
Their appearance provided a colourful conclusion to a service which combined prayer, music and reflection with a celebration of the communities whose lives remain closely connected to the sea.
WATCH Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan join the Morris dancers in the video below.
Business
Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen
ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.
The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.
Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.
The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.
The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.
Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.
The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.
Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.
-
Farming6 days agoPembrokeshire slaughterhouse given urgent improvement rating after audit failure
-
News5 days agoFrom boccia to boxing: ALN multisport events give youngsters chance to try activities
-
News5 days agoQuestions raised over Hamilton Accies finances after club’s Haverfordwest friendly
-
News6 days agoLarge fire breaks out at Impala Terminal in Milford Haven
-
Education6 days agoCouncil failed Welsh language standards over school closure
-
Entertainment4 days agoSwing and big band classics heading to Torch Theatre
-
Farming3 days agoWorking Carmarthenshire farm opens gates to visitors with new holiday cottages
-
Entertainment6 days agoCrymych Arms to host weekend of local music, food and drink





