News
Yacht skipper rescued in the North Atlantic by Milford-bound LNG tanker crew
A MILFORD HAVEN-bound LNG tanker changed course to save the life of a skipper of a yacht who had run in to trouble on a voyage near Bermuda.
The 31-foot sloop left Bermuda with one person onboard, however during the journey he was “unable to start the engine or sail in the prevailing light winds, and he made the decision to abandon the yacht.”
The LNG tanker Torben Spirit, which arrived in Milford Haven on Christmas Eve, diverted to assist him, and the ship’s captain brought the sailor back to the island, with officials noting that “the yacht skipper was grateful to be back on dry land.”
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “Wednesday 16th December, 11:45 am – RCC Bermuda received a 406 MHz PLB alert from a U.S. registered beacon originating from a position approximately 250 miles south east of Bermuda.
“The beacon was unregistered however, it was known to be generated from the Bermuda registered 31 ft sloop Mujan which left Bermuda on Friday 11th December bound for St Kitts with one person onboard.
“On departure, Mujan had filed a float plan with Bermuda Radio and details of this beacon had been recorded. The United States Coast Guard also received the distress alerts and in consultation with RCC Bermuda, launched a C-130 aircraft from Elizabeth City, NJ to search the area. The merchant vessel LNG tanker Torben Spirit was diverted to assist.
“At 3:45pm that afternoon both the merchant vessel and US SAR aircraft were on scene and in communication with Mujan, the skipper was unable to start the engine or sail in the prevailing light winds, and he made the decision to abandon the yacht and board the tanker, this was done using the yachts tender.
“Once safely onboard the Torben Spirit, the ship’s Captain kindly arranged to divert from the planned passage to Milford Haven in the UK and take the stricken sailor back home to Bermuda.
“At 7:00 am on Thursday morning. the transfer was made to the Pilot/Rescue Boat St George and the yacht skipper was grateful to be back in Bermuda. The yacht was unfortunately left a drift and RCC Bermuda has issued a navigation warning regarding the floating hazard.”
The vessel TORBEN SPIRIT was built in 2017 and is currently sailing under the flag of Bahamas.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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