News

All passengers and crew evacuated safely from Fishguard ferry following engine fire

Published

3 years ago

February 12, 2023

EIGHTY EIGHT passengers and fifty nine crew members were all evacuated safely, following a blaze on the Rosslare or Fishguard ferry on Saturday night (Feb 12)

The Stena Europe suffered an engine room fire, which broke out just after 2200 HRS off Strumble Head, leading to passengers being mustered with lifejackets, and being told they may have to abandon ship into lifeboats.

However, with the assistance of tug boats, the ferry 43-year-old ferry was able to make it into Fishguard Harbour, where twenty emergency vehicles had been dispatched to assist with the rescue.

Helicopters from HM Coastguard and the Wales Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

RNLI lifeboats were launched from New Quay and St Davids to stand by.

Experienced sailor Stephen Kearney and his partner Julia were on board the 150m vessel and explained that the fire was serious, the ferry was filling with smoke, and that they were expecting to abandon ship.

Stephen told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “There was an announcement to the crew, advising it was not a drill and they should take up positions.

“Smoke began to circulate and I could see a lot of smoke from the funnel.

“Life jackets were issued and crew members assisted passengers with them.

“People were understandably nervous, but very calm and were looking out for each other.

“It was clearly a very serious situation and I was preparing to spend time in the lifeboats.

“Luckily the fire was extinguished by a very professional crew, and that was not necessary

“The Stena staff were obviously very well drilled – and took all appropriate action which included issuing water and supporting people who were frightened.

Stephen added: “The staff actually were fantastic and interestingly, honest about the situation.

“I’m a sailor, trained in sea survival so I knew how bad this could have got.

Stephen said that in his opinion the weather played a part in helping to get the situation under control. He said: “In fact, if we had been in very windy weather, or heavy seas, you would be reporting a very different and harrowing story.

“We were all preparing to abandon ship, as the ship was filling with smoke.

“Luckily the fire was extinguished

“It was really serious,” he said – adding: “Crew were brilliant

“Julia and I are both sailors so we identified ourselves to take responsibility as necessary

“This was no little incident,” he said.

On leaving the ferry passengers witnessed a sea of blue flashing lights from the assembly of emergency vehicles from the police, ambulance and fire brigade.

By just after 11pm, firefighters were spraying water down one of the funnels to dampen down the fire on board.

Ferry operator Stena Line issued a statement on Sunday.

Despite the huge emergency services response to the incident they downplayed the incident, saying it was a small fire and that the damage was relatively minor.

A spokesperson for the company said: “At approximately 22:00 last night the Stena Europe was on route to Fishguard from Rosslare, when the crew were alerted to a small fire on one of the ship’s engines.

“The Crew immediately initiated the ship’s safety protocols to ensure safety of passengers and crew before quickly extinguish the fire without further support or incident.

“A short delay incurred whilst the area was made secure before continuing on passage to Fishguard arriving 30 minutes behind schedule.

“There were 88 passengers and 59 crew onboard.

“There were no injuries and all those onboard were disembarked safely.

“Damage to the vessel is minimal. It is now being removed from service while we undertake a thorough investigation as to cause of the incident, which will be undertaken in partnership with the maritime regulatory authorities.

“We would like to thank the local Welsh ambulance, fire and lifeboat services who deployed significant numbers of their resources as a precaution.

“We are sorry for any distress and inconvenience this has caused to our passengers.

“We have reached an agreement with Irish Ferries that all those booked to sail with us will be transferred to their Pembroke sailing.

“Or can be transferred to an alternative Stena Line sailing at a different port.

“Further updates on the vessel and sailings will be issued in due course.”

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)