A mother from West Wales has spoken out after her daughter was allegedly shouted at by a harbourmaster for crabbing in the wrong spot at Saundersfoot Harbour. The incident left the young girl, who has severe disabilities, “crying and shaking,” according to her mother. The family had been crab fishing in the harbour basin for years, but were confronted by the harbourmaster who insisted that fishing is banned in that area for health and safety reasons. The CEO of Saundersfoot Harbour, Nicola Gandy, explained that fishing is prohibited in the harbour basin and signs are in place to indicate this rule. However, the family claims they were unaware of the ban and were distressed by the encounter.
The mother, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her daughter’s passion for crab fishing and emphasized that it was one of the few activities she could enjoy due to her condition. While the harbourmaster directed them to designated fishing areas, the family found these areas inaccessible for their daughter, leading to a confrontation. Saundersfoot Harbour stated that the rules are in place to ensure a safe environment for all users and that designated areas are provided for crabbing. They have observed an increase in tourists fishing in unauthorized spots, prompting the harbour team to guide them to the appropriate locations for crabbing.
Despite the conflicting accounts, the incident highlights the importance of observing local regulations while enjoying recreational activities like crab fishing. It also underscores the need for clear communication between authorities and visitors to prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone’s safety. As the summer season continues, visitors are encouraged to respect designated rules and areas to preserve a positive experience for all at Saundersfoot Harbour.