Police to look at weather conditions as part of investigation into paddleboarders deaths
Two women and a man died whilst paddleboarding in the River Cleddau, Haverfordwest
Last updated 1st Nov 2021
An investigation is continuing after two women and a man died whilst paddleboarding on a river in Haverfordwest.
They were part of a group of nine people who were on the Cleddau River on Saturday morning.
In a multi agency operation, emergency services pulled five people from the river uninjured.
One woman remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The detective leading the investigation said on Sunday he was committed to finding out what led to the tragedy unfolding.
In a statement read outside Haverfordwest Police Station, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees of Dyfed-Powys Police, revealed the group of nine people had got into difficulties after reaching the weir near Quay Street.
Mr Rees said: "Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of persons in distress to 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 yet had got into difficulties at the weir adjacent to Quay street.
"A significant operation, a rescue operation, was commenced involving resources from Midwest Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Wales Ambulance Service Trust, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Coast Guard and the RNLI.
"Search activity was assisted by helicopters.
"The exact circumstances of the incident are being thoroughly investigated," he added.
"At this stage, my thoughts and the thoughts of my colleagues are with the family of those who lost loved ones, and of the injured person who remains in hospital.
"Paddle boarding is a growing leisure pursuit and we would encourage those engaging in the activity to ensure they understand the weather conditions and water conditions at a particular location where they may be enjoying that sport."