News

Angle RNLI 110-mile round trip for search and recovery of missing yacht

Published

11 months ago

July 6, 2023

ON THURSDAY (Jun 29), the Angle All-Weather Lifeboat embarked on a demanding mission, coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard, to aid in the search and recovery of the missing yacht ‘Minke.’ The vessel had been overdue for six days, prompting an Irish fishing vessel to report its discovery. The yacht’s approximate location was identified as around 50 miles southwest of St Anne’s Head.

Following a distress call to the coastguard, the lifeboat was swiftly launched and set off towards the designated area, anticipating a two-hour journey. En route, an Irish coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, reached the scene and deployed a winchman who confirmed the absence of anyone aboard the yacht. The fishing vessel that initially located the yacht remained in the vicinity as well.

At 6:10 pm, the lifeboat arrived at the scene, at which point Falmouth Coastguard took over coordination. The crew members were requested to transfer onto the yacht to investigate any possible information that could shed light on the occupant’s last known position.

At this juncture, R117 departed the scene, making way for Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 from Newquay, Cornwall. Given the extensive search area, a coastguard search plane, Rescue 51, was also deployed and promptly arrived, followed shortly after by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan.

With the Angle crew members now on board the yacht, new information emerged regarding the occupant’s last recorded position. As the lifeboat was out of VHF range, the information was relayed to Falmouth Coastguard via Rescue 51. Armed with this updated data, all search assets were stood down, as the search area had shifted significantly south.

Subsequently, Padstow Lifeboat was assigned the task of towing the yacht back to Padstow harbour. The Angle Lifeboat crew established the towline connection and began towing the vessel southward towards the rendezvous point with the Padstow Lifeboat.

After approximately an hour of towing, Padstow Lifeboat reached the scene. The Angle crew members released the towline and assisted the Padstow crew in securing their own towline to the yacht. Once confirmed that the tow was safely rigged, the Angle crew was recovered from the vessel and stood by momentarily.

With the towline and fenders stowed, the Angle Lifeboat commenced the two-hour return journey to Angle, where it was recovered, refuelled, and made ready for further service by midnight.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes to Milford Haven and Falmouth Coastguard MRCC’s, R117 from Ireland, R924 from Newquay, R187 from St Athan, Fixed-wing aircraft R51, Padstow Lifeboat, and the Irish fishing vessel. This remarkable operation exemplified the effective collaboration of multiple agencies working together seamlessly.

Crime

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

6 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

7 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: 24000446140

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.