THREE people have died and one remains in hospital following the  multi-agency river rescue in Pembrokeshire yesterday.

Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of people in distress in the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest shortly after 9am on Saturday, October 30.

A group of nine adults from the south Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle-boarding excursion.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, but it is believed that the group got into difficulty in the water.

Sadly two women and a man died at the scene, and a woman remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Next of kin are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.

A further five people were rescued without injury.

Paul O’Dwyer, from Salty Dog Co, is one of the three who died, according to reports from the PA news agency.

On Sunday morning, the company posted a tribute to Mr O’Dwyer on Twitter, saying: “It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to our salty dog Paul.

“A lovely human being taken too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. You will be missed greatly.”

It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to our salty dog Paul. A lovely human being taken too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. You will be missed greatly. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QMPvncx0HF

— salty dog co (@saltydogco1) October 30, 2021

Mr O'Dwyer and company director Nerys Lloyd took part in a charity event earlier this month, raising more than £4,000 by completing the The Wye 100 in 24 hours, paddling down 100 miles of river from Glasbury to Tintern Abbey.

He was also the organiser of a mass paddleboard event in September when 130 people paddled from Mumbles in Swansea to Aberavon in Port Talbot, raising more than £2,000 for the RNLI and a local lifeguard club.

One of the members on the fatal trip said she had pulled out of the paddle on the morning of the incident as she was concerned about the conditions.

Vickie Mckinven, from Milford Haven, told PA Media: “Absolutely heartbreaking, was all good friends. And did so much to raise money for charities.”

Western Telegraph:

Flowers at the scene

 

Local county councillor Tom Tudor described the incident as a 'terrible tragedy' and paid tribute to all those who responded.

He told the Western Telegraph:

“A terrible tragedy unfolded on the river Cleddau in the Castle Ward of Haverfordwest. I would like to extend my sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy and I would like to thank the emergency services for their brave efforts in tackling this issue.

“I would also like to thank the staff from the Bristol Trader and Vaughans Radio who provided help and support for the emergency services during this difficult operation.’

A member of the public is also believed to have entered the water to attempt a rescue, later exiting the water safely.

The Quay Street area was cordoned off for several hours, with public asked to avoid the area while a search of the river took place.

Thirty firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including specialist wading crews and swift water rescue technicians, responded to assist with the rescue.

Two fire boats were launched to assist with bank and river searches, with crews working closely with the attending Coastguard teams.

There was helicopter support from NPAS, Coastguard and Wales Air Ambulance, and Angle RNLI lifeboat was also tasked.

Welsh Ambulance Service responded with several ambulances, taking the injured woman to Withybush Hospital.

More than 20 police officers attended the scene, which remained cordoned off until around 5pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees said a full investigation was already underway, but at this stage his thoughts were focused on the loved ones of those who had died and the injured paddleboarder who remains in hospital.

He thanked emergency service colleagues for their swift support, and the public for their patience throughout the incident.

DCI Rees has appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to get in touch through a dedicated website at https://orlo.uk/HaverfordwestAppeal_naaDd

HM Coroner, Health and Safety Executive and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have been informed.

A MAIB spokesman said: “A team of inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed to Haverfordwest to undertake a preliminary assessment of the accident, working in co-operation with other agencies.

“The aim of the MAIB’s preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward.”