News

Pensioner feared lost at sea: Yacht discovered 50 miles off Pembrokeshire coast

Published

3 years ago

July 8, 2023

A PENSIONER is believed to be missing at sea after his unmanned yacht was located approximately 50 miles off the coast of Wales. Duncan Lougee, aged 70, had embarked on a solo voyage from Plymouth aboard his yacht named The Minke, with the intention of sailing to Ireland.

Mr. Lougee was en route to Baltimore and was expected to arrive on June 22, passing through the Isles of Scily as part of the Jester Challenge. However, no contact has been established with Mr. Lougee since his departure on June 18.

An Irish fishing vessel spotted the yacht on Thursday, June 29, prompting the Angle all-weather lifeboat to be dispatched by the Milford Haven Coastguard for a multi-agency search and rescue operation covering a round trip of 110 miles.

As the lifeboat reached the Minke, which was situated 50 miles west of St Anne’s Head in Pembrokeshire, an Irish coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, arrived at the scene.

A winchman descended onto the yacht, which had been overdue for six days, and confirmed that there was no one aboard.

Upon the arrival of the lifeboat, two crew members boarded the yacht to search for any information that could indicate the last known position of the missing sailor.

A spokesperson for Angle Lifeboat RNLI told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “At this point, R117 from Ireland departed and was replaced by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 from Newquay, Cornwall.

“Due to the nature of the incident and the expansive search area, a coastguard search plane, Rescue 51, had also been deployed and arrived at the scene, closely followed by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan. With our crew members now on board, new information was discovered, indicating the last recorded position of the occupant.

“As the lifeboat was out of VHF range, this information was relayed to Rescue 51 for communication to Falmouth Coastguard. Following their findings, all search assets were stood down as the new search area had significantly shifted south.'”

The Angle lifeboat crew then towed the yacht southward and met with Padstow lifeboat crews, who subsequently towed the vessel back to Padstow harbour.

Mr. Lougee, a resident of Colchester, Essex, remains a missing person, and Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the search operation has been called off.

Detective Inspector Daniel Massey said: “Yacht Minke has been brought ashore and is currently docked in Padstow Harbour. We continue to collaborate with partners, including The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and The Coroner’s Office, regarding this matter. While Mr. Lougee remains officially missing, responsibility for searches in open waters lies with the Coastguard. However, since the yacht Minke has been missing since it departed from Plymouth on Sunday, June 18, and initial inquiries indicate no recent entries in the ship’s log for at least nine days, we have decided to end the search.”

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard added: “Extensive searches were conducted and coordinated by HM Coastguard, leading to the discovery of the yacht. The search was terminated once it became evident that the survivability period had elapsed.”

DI Massey further commented: “We will continue to review this matter, and any new information that emerges will be duly assessed. We have informed the family about these initial updates, and our thoughts are with them at this time. The family of Duncan Lougee has requested privacy.”

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

12 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

12 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

13 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)