TODAY marks the 70th anniversary of a remarkable lifesaving operation by St Davids RNLI volunteers. In treacherous weather, crews from St Davids and Rosslare lifeboat stations rescued 42 men from the stricken Liberian tanker World Concord, which had broken in two during a ferocious storm.

On the night of November 26, 1954, a powerful storm battered the United Kingdom, causing widespread destruction. At Brawdy, wind speeds reached a staggering 132 mph. Out at sea, 10 miles west-northwest of the Smalls lighthouse, the 20,000-ton World Concord succumbed to the raging waves, splitting into two sections.

Lifeboats launch in perilous seas

At 8:28 am on November 27, St Davids lifeboat Civil Service No. 6 launched from St Justinian’s. Though the wind had eased to gale force, the seas remained perilous, with waves towering 15-20 feet. By 11:45 am, the lifeboat reached the tanker’s aft section.

Crew members aboard the lifeboat made 35 daring approaches to evacuate the stranded crew, navigating treacherous conditions and avoiding the tanker’s still-turning propeller. Over 50 harrowing minutes, all 35 crew members were safely rescued.

Meanwhile, the fore section of the World Concord, carrying the captain and six crew, drifted further into dangerous waters. With the lifeboat already at capacity, St Davids coxswain William Watts-Williams made the difficult decision to prioritize the safety of the rescued crew and return to shore, arriving back at St Justinian’s around 3:00 pm.

Rosslare Harbour lifeboat steps in

Later that afternoon, Rosslare Harbour lifeboat launched at 3:50 pm and reached the fore section of the tanker after nightfall. Unable to conduct a rescue in the dark, the lifeboat stood by until first light. At 8:30 am, the remaining seven crew members were successfully rescued and brought to safety in Holyhead.

Honouring bravery

For their extraordinary bravery, Coxswain William Watts-Williams was awarded the RNLI Silver Medal, while mechanics George Jordan and Gwilym Davies received the RNLI Bronze Medal. Second Coxswain David Lewis and crew members William Rowlands, William Morris, Howell Roberts, and Richard Chisholm were honoured with the RNLI’s Thanks on Vellum. The Rosslare Harbour lifeboat crew received similar recognition for their valiant efforts.

A legacy of heroism

Seventy years on, the courage and skill displayed by the crews of St Davids and Rosslare Harbour lifeboats remain an inspiration. As we commemorate this historic rescue, we pay tribute to the selflessness and dedication of those who risked their lives to save others.

WILLIAM McNAMARA, Chief Executive of Bluestone National Park Resort, has expressed concerns over the Welsh government’s proposed tourism tax, warning it could make Wales a less attractive destination for families and visitors.

Speaking about the plans, which include a £1.25 overnight charge for guests at hotels, B&Bs, and self-catered accommodation, McNamara highlighted the potential risks to Wales’ competitiveness in the UK market.

“Wales risks becoming less attractive to visitors, especially families, who may view this as an additional cost in an already competitive UK market – particularly as this levy is not being introduced in England,” he said.

McNamara also questioned the flexibility given to councils to raise charges in the future, calling it “an element of uncertainty that must be carefully managed.”

Bluestone, a 5-star luxury holiday resort in Pembrokeshire, is known for promoting sustainable tourism and celebrating Wales’ heritage and natural beauty. While McNamara acknowledged the need to invest in local infrastructure, he stressed that any levy must be implemented thoughtfully.

“It is crucial that this levy is implemented thoughtfully and transparently to support both visitors and businesses – especially for those already navigating economic challenges,” he said.

The tourism sector, often referred to as the backbone of rural communities, plays a vital role in areas like Pembrokeshire. McNamara emphasised the importance of reinvestment but warned the success of the tax would hinge on clear accountability for how funds are spent.

“Reinvestment in rural areas can undoubtedly bring benefits. However, the success of this levy will depend on clear accountability for how funds are used and a commitment to ensuring Wales remains a welcoming and competitive destination for all,” he said.

Meanwhile The Wales Tourism Alliance said that the tourism and hospitality industry contributes billions of pounds annually to the Welsh economy and employs over 11% of the working population and the Wales Tourism Alliance does not believe that a Visitor Levy is the right solution for Wales.  

The added that since it became clear that a Visitor Levy is a preferred policy for the Welsh Government they have put a huge amount of work in to ensure that any proposals would both recognise the importance of tourism to Wales and be fit for purpose.  

In a statement released on Monday (Nov 25) they said: “We are disappointed that a number of the key points on which we felt we had reached an understanding with the Welsh Government have not been adequately reflected in the proposed policy.  

“In particular we feel that the Welsh Government has missed a key opportunity to establish a registration scheme for self-catering accommodation that would have incorporated key health and safety criteria and assured visitors that their accommodation meets basic assurance standards.

“What has been proposed will instead increase the costs for tourism and hospitality businesses, which will be passed on to our visitors, without any perceived “added value”.  

“We are also disappointed that there is no clear commitment that the funding raised by the levy will be dedicated to improving the visitor experience in Wales.  We had emphasised the need for tourism and hospitality businesses and representative bodies to be involved with the decision making process on how the levy would be spent, but see no commitment to this.

“This was the Welsh Government’s opportunity to deliver a gold standard in tourism and accommodation – setting Wales apart from the rest of the UK.  Instead it has merely made Wales more expensive without any perceived added-value for our visitors.”

The proposed visitor levy, outlined in draft legislation, would see councils given discretion to implement the tax. It is expected to raise £33 million annually to fund services in tourism hotspots. However, industry leaders and opposition parties have criticised the plan, warning it could deter visitors and place additional strain on businesses.

Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford has defended the levy, calling it “fair” for visitors to contribute to the facilities and infrastructure they use.

Whether the tourism tax enhances or hinders Wales’ appeal as a top destination remains a topic of heated debate among businesses, councils, and visitors alike.

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST is inviting the public to make a double impact this December by supporting vital efforts to combat coastal erosion and climate change across Pembrokeshire’s cherished coastal paths. For one week only, donations will have an even greater impact in protecting these scenic trails for future generations.

During Big Give Week, which takes place from 3–10 December, any donations made to the Trust’s Save Our Coastal Paths campaign will be matched – allowing each gift to go twice as far in safeguarding this precious coastline and its world-class walking trails.

Regarded by many as a national treasure, Pembrokeshire’s 186-mile Coast Path winds through a breathtaking landscape of cliffs, heaths, and dune grasslands, connected by a web of adjoining trails. This iconic pathway is enjoyed year-round by residents, wildlife, and visitors alike. Yet the increasing pressures of climate change – rising sea levels, frequent storms, and extreme weather – are eroding the coast at an alarming rate, threatening the accessibility of these paths, disrupting local ecosystems, and impacting the tourism that fuels the local economy.

In response, the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust has partnered with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and the National Trails team to launch a proactive approach through the Save Our Coastal Paths campaign. Funds raised during Big Give Week will go toward vital repair work, bridge restorations, debris removal, and re-routes where necessary, ensuring the Coast Path and its connecting pathways remain open and safe for generations to come.

Jamie Owen, Journalist, Broadcaster, and Patron of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the county’s greatest treasures. I have walked it from beginning to end. It would be a tragedy if it became impassable or parts of it simply disappeared. It’s crucial we all do our bit to ensure it’s preserved.”

Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “The Big Give Week is the UK’s largest match-funding event, where supporters of UK charities can have their donations doubled. It’s a fantastic opportunity to rally support and raise funds to help protect Pembrokeshire’s much-loved coastal paths, ensuring they stay resilient against climate change and remain a joy for future generations.

“If you’d like to help, please consider donating during Big Give Week by visiting https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPSPiAAP.”

Further information on the work of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/.