Last Tuesday the pleasure craft Celtic Star broke down off Milford Haven Port Authority jetty. The vessel, with nine people and a dog aboard, was towed to safety.

The boat, owned by Milford Haven men, had no safety or communications equipment and those aboard were only able to alert emergency services via mobile phone. The vessel was deemed to be in bad condition and Dale coastguards gave a stern warning to the occupants.

Tenby all weather lifeboat also went to the aid of a boat without communications or safety equipment last week. A 17ft Dory, sailing out of Burry Port, suffered engine failure in Carmarthen Bay last Thursday.

Once again the vessel had no safety or communications equipment aboard, apart from a mobile phone.

The Dory was towed back to Tenby Harbour and the Skipper, from, Llanelli, given stern words of advice by the Tenby Coastguard Team.

“Even casual sailors should have a VHF radio,” said a spokesperson for Milford Haven coastguards. “Mobile phones have limited signal and battery and can only be used to communicate with one person.

“You are far better off with a VHF. You have a strong signal and if you put out a message everyone in that area can receive it. Other vessels close by can hear you and may be able to come to your aid.

“Yes, mobiles are useful but a VHF is far far better.”