STORM Ophelia brought the worst swell seen in living memory to Porth-clais according to the harbour master, causing serious damage to boats moored at the inlet.

Five boats were sunk at the inlet near St Davids by the sea surge that the ex-hurricane created, and numerous others were damaged, leaving wreckage that may take several days to clear.

“Last night is the worst in living memory Porth-clais has ever seen,” said Alyn Pugh, the harbour master.

“I have been talking to the old men in the harbour, and they have said the same.”

Mr Pugh said the waves came 5ft over the harbour walls and pulled back with enough force to rip some of the posts tied to boat moorings out of the ground.

When the tide went out last night, the harbour master and a group of locals set to work clearing up the debris, and untangling the sunken boats from ropes at the bottom of the harbour.

The group worked until 1am on Monday, October 16 and are continuing to work all day today (Tuesday, October 17) with the help of JCBs.

Mr Pugh has moved as much debris as he can to Porth-clais’ car park and says he and others could be working for another two days to finish the clean-up.

A witness who watched as Ophelia swept into Poth-clais yesterday said he also saw the huge waves running straight up and over the harbour wall.

“They were surging with immense power right up and beyond the little road bridge. As the tide rose, conditions worsened and a number of boats broke either partially, or completely, loose.

“Some, partially submerged, collided with each other or with the rocky inlet sides; others were swept up to the bridge. Chaos,” he said.

“Not a scenario one would wish to see, for some owners are likely to have incurred no small losses. But, as a spectacle, some 20 or more folk were transfixed by the scene.

“One craft, a large inflatable, was rescued by brave locals with the aid of several strong ropes, and a tow vehicle.”