News

Eight rescues in six hours for local lifeboat crew

Published

3 months ago

August 15, 2024

IN what is being described as one of the busiest days on record, Tenby’s lifeboat crews were called out eight times within a frantic six-hour period on Wednesday (Aug 14). The volunteer crews faced a series of challenging rescues, demonstrating their commitment and skill in responding to multiple emergencies along Pembrokeshire’s coast.

The first alert came just after 1:00pm when the Haydn Miller, Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat, was dispatched to assist two paddleboarders in distress off Stackpole Head. However, as the lifeboat made its way to the scene, a nearby vessel responded to the coastguard’s broadcast, safely retrieving the paddleboarders and returning them to Stackpole Quay.

Barely had the crew returned when, at 1:29pm, they were summoned again—this time to Broadhaven South, where a swimmer was reported to be in difficulty. As the lifeboat approached, it was confirmed that the swimmer had reached shore unaided, allowing the crew to return to station.

Less than an hour later, at 2:28pm, the lifeboat was called out for the third time, following reports of three people swept off the rocks at Manorbier. By the time the crew arrived, the swimmers had managed to get to shore safely, and no further assistance was required.

The fourth shout came just 45 minutes later, once again at Manorbier, where several swimmers were reported to be caught in a rip current. As the lifeboat crew prepared to launch, they were informed that local surfers had successfully rescued the swimmers and brought them back to the beach.

At 4:00pm, the fifth call of the day marked the first deployment for Tenby’s inshore lifeboat. The crew were tasked with searching for a missing five-year-old child last seen in the water off Castle Beach. Fortunately, as the lifeboat launched, the child was found safe and well.

The inshore lifeboat was quickly called into action again at 4:22 pm, following reports of a person in difficulty near St Catherine’s Island. Upon arrival, the crew were relieved to find that the individual had already made it ashore safely.

The seventh call came at 6:05pm, with the all-weather lifeboat dispatched to Manorbier Beach to provide casualty care for an injured person. However, as the lifeboat neared the scene, it was reported that the casualty had been taken to hospital by other means.

The eighth and final call of the day came at 6:12pm, marking the most serious incident of the day. The all-weather lifeboat was tasked to assist in a major search operation involving the Angle lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187, and multiple coastguard rescue teams. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) had been activated, believed to be somewhere in the Milford Haven area. The search led to the discovery of an upturned vessel with three people in the water nearby.

The Tenby lifeboat crew acted swiftly, deploying two crew members into the water to assist with the rescue of the casualties. After a medical assessment, one casualty was airlifted to hospital, while the remaining two were brought aboard the lifeboat, warmed, and transported to Milford Haven, where paramedics were waiting.

The all-weather lifeboat finally returned to station at 9:45 pm, concluding an exhausting day for the dedicated volunteer crews. This day of high drama along Pembrokeshire’s coast highlights the essential service provided by Tenby’s lifeboats, whose crews remain ever ready to respond to those in peril at sea.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.