A tug skipper has been ordered to pay more than £900 following a collision on the Milford Haven waterway that left a fisheries patrol vessel badly damaged.

Last week Milford Haven Port Authority successfully prosecuted the skipper of the tug Svitzer Ramsey, Gerald Hartveld of Brook Avenue, Milford Haven, following the collision on March 4th.

The South West Sea Fisheries Committee vessel Cranogwen was damaged on the starboard side and a crew member suffered minor injuries.

The skipper was found to be in contravention of Section 20(c) of the Milford Haven Harbour Bye-Laws — ‘Vessels to be navigated with care’.

He was fined £470, as well as additional costs of £450 and a £15 victim surcharge.

Harbourmaster of Milford Haven Port Authority, Captain Mark Andrews said:

“While the majority of people who use the waterway do so in compliance with the safety regulations laid down, there are a minority whose actions could potentially put others at risk.

“We are always seeking to enhance safety on the waterway and inappropriate behaviour by any user will not be tolerated.”