Three paddleboarders die after incident on river in Wales

Three paddleboarders have died in southwest Wales after getting into difficulty on a river.

A man and two women died at the scene in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on Saturday morning. Another is in a critical condition and being treated at the town’s Withybush hospital, according to Dyfed-Powys police.

Five people who were rescued from the river Cleddauwere uninjured. Parts of the centre of Haverfordwest were shut off until the afternoon while a search took place.

Emergency services including 30 firefighters were part of the operation, as well as the coastguard, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and police helicopters.

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Heavy rain had caused river levels to rise and become more dangerous. The group of nine were from different parts of south Wales and were on an annual tour, spending the weekend together. PA Media reported that those involved were part of the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, based in Port Talbot.

One of the members, Vickie McKinven from Milford Haven, said: “Absolutely heartbreaking, [they were] all good friends. And did so much to raise money for charities.”

‘Missed greatly’

Dyfed-Powys police said the victims’ next of kin were being supported by specialist officers.

Salty Dog Co, a watersports clothing shop, paid tribute to Paul O’Dwyer, who is believed to be one of those who died. “It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to our salty dog Paul,” it tweeted on Saturday night. “A lovely human being taken too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. You will be missed greatly.”

He had helped raise more than £4,000 for charity in recent weeks by paddling down the river Wye in 24 hours, navigating the 161km (100 miles) from Glasbury to Tintern Abbey. He also organised an event in September that raised more than £2,000 for the RNLI and a local lifeguard club.

Det chief inspector Jonathan Rees said a full investigation was under way and his thoughts were with the victims’ families and friends and the injured paddleboarder in hospital. He asked people with information to come forward to help their investigation.

A Dyfed-Powys police spokesperson said: “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.”

The Health and Safety Executive, the coroner and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed. A spokesperson of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch 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 cooperation with other agencies. The aim of the MAIB’s preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward.”

– Guardian