Pembrokeshire's fishing community joins a family in mourning this week for a respected professional fisherman who lost his life after a tragic accident at work off the county's coast.

Forty-one-year-old Andrew David Jenkins, of Tenby, the owner and skipper of the Calon Mor, died on Saturday after being rescued from the sea between Skokholm Island and St Ann's Head.

It is understood he was dragged into the water from the deck of his 40-foot craft after a lobster pot rope became entangled around his leg.

Mr Jenkins, who had been fishing out of Milford Haven for some years, previously kept the craft LA7 in Tenby Harbour.

He lived in the town at Tyssul Court, Lower Park Road and was well-known by fishermen throughout Pembrokeshire. Many have rallied round following the shock news of his death to offer practical support in recovering his craft and fishing gear.

"Andy was a genuinely nice chap, very well thought of and a highly-respected and forward-thinking member of our association," said a spokesman for South and West Wales Fishing Communities.

"This tragic accident really has sent shockwaves through the industry locally, and Andy will be very sadly missed."

Coastguards received a mayday call from the Calon Mor's crew member shortly before 10am on Saturday. This was also picked up by the St Davids lifeboat which was out on exercise with local GP Dr Sarah Hamilton on board.

In the meantime, local fishing vessel Alisha went to the scene and crew managed to get Mr Jenkins into their boat for first aid. The Milford Haven port launch, Robert Hastie, also attended.

A Sea King rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor in Devon winched Dr Hamilton and Mr Jenkins aboard before flying to Withybush, where he later died.

The crew member was taken by the lifeboat to the Milford Haven Conservancy Board landing pier, where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital for treatment for shock and the effects of the cold water. Three members of the lifeboat crew then took the Calon Mor into Neyland Marina.

Mr Jenkins' funeral arrangements had not been finalised as we went to press. Further enquiries should be made to the funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby (01834 843160).