Three people have died and one is critical after Haverfordwest river tragedy

Three people have died and one remains in hospital following a 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.

Dyfed Powys Police say next of kin are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.

A further five people were rescued without injury.

First Minister Mark Drakeford's Tweeted his condolences to the families of those who died:

"Deeply saddened to hear of the deaths on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest.

"My thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy.

"Thank you to the emergency services and everyone who tried to assist with the rescue efforts."

A police statement said:

"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.