Pictured is the new semi-submersible tractor unit that Caldey Island boatmen have jointly purchased to tow a custom-made passenger-carrying trailer.

The former-RNLI tractor unit will eventually perform the loading and offloading of tripper-boat passengers on Caldey at times of low tide once the current M2 Amphibious vehicle is retired.

“The tractor was one of several which are in use by the RNLI, primarily used to recover lifeboats from the sea in areas where they don’t have the luxury of a constantly ‘wet’ slipway, such as we enjoy at Tenby, and it’s unique feature is that it is completely watertight, enabling it to travel a short distance into the surf of a sufficient depth for a boat to moor alongside,” explained Rev Kevin G. Simpson of Caldey Island Estate Co Ltd.

The tractor and trailer were shipped across from South Beach this week on two M2 amphibious vehicles by a local engineer (who also constructed the trailer specifically for the purpose intended).

Loading and unloading them from the M2’s also required the construction of a temporary ramp, as seen in this photograph taken by Kathy Duffield.

“Altogether, the operation was a superb feat of engineering ingenuity. As they say, engineering is usually one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration, but in this case it was a tremendous achievement, of which those involved should be duly proud,” he added.