Surfers Pay Tribute to Paddleboarders
Four people died in the tragedy on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest
A group of surfers took to the waves today (November 6) to pay tribute to four paddleboarders following a river tragedy.
Hundreds of mourners flocked to Aberavon beach to watch up to 80 surfers perform a "swim out" in the water.
The moving tribute was to honour Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, Paul O’Dwyer, 42, and Andrea Powell, 41.
Morgan, Nicola and Paul were tragically killed when the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, turned into a torrent on October 30.
Andrea, of Bridgend, was rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water but died from her injuries six days later.
Close friend Nerys Lloyd started the touching tribute today (Sat) as she walked to the sea alongside two children.
Families clapped as the surfers entered the water at Aberavon Beach carrying flowers.
The group paddled out past the break for ten minutes before gathering in a circle to release flowers into the waves.
Onlooker Caroline Brown, 41, said: "It was really emotional to see how many people had come along.
"The whole ceremony was beautiful and a fitting way to remember those who have died."
The tragedy struck when a group of nine adults travelled to the river for a weekend trip to paddleboard one week ago.
Police say a woman has now been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and released under investigation.
A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "Following the incident on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest on Saturday, October 30, we can confirm a woman from the South Wales area has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter as part of the investigation. She has been released under investigation.
"Sadly we can also confirm that 41-year-old Andrea Powell from the Bridgend area, who was in hospital following the incident has now died.
"Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident."
Tributes were paid to the paddleboarders following their deaths.
Former soldier Paul, of Port Talbot, was described as a "devoted husband, father, son and brother."
His family said: "He devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes."
Toxicology expert Nicola Wheatley 40, of Pontarddulais, Swansea, was described as "a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife."
The family said: "Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. She was amazing in every way. She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled."
Supermarket deputy manager Morgan Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil, was described as "the best that she could be. She will be sadly missed."
Her family said: "Morgan was a beautiful, kind and loving soul, beloved by all who have been touched by her warm smile and her caring personality.
"Morgan was never happier than when she was in the outdoors doing what she loved and spending time with her family.
"She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and all those she has known along the way. Morgan will always be in our hearts and our memories. We will miss her dearly."
Thirty firefighters, including specialist wading crews, were called to the rescue along with air ambulance and Coastguard teams.
Investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.