Woman charged after paddleboarding deaths

(L-R) Nicola Wheatley, Andrea Powell, Paul O'Dwyer and Morgan Rogers - family photos (Dyfed Powys Police)

A woman has been charged with manslaughter after the deaths of four paddleboarders in Pembrokeshire.

Andrea Powell from Bridgend was among a group of paddleboarders who became trapped in a weir during a trip on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest.

Paul O'Dwyer (42) from Pontardulais, Morgan Rogers (24) from Cefn Coed and Nicola Wheatley (40) from Sandfields were also killed in the incident in October 2021, while four others survived.

Dyfed Powys Police have charged Nerys Lloyd with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and a further offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The 39 year-old from Aberavon is due to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on 3rd December.

Dyfed Powys Police said the charges followed a "lengthy and complex investigation" involving the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie from Dyfed Powys Police said: "The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have all been informed."

"As criminal proceedings are now underway, it is important that there is no reporting, commentary or online posting that could prejudice this case."

Rosemary Ainslie, who heads the CPS' special crime division, said: "The charges relate to a commercial paddleboarding river tour on 30 October, 2021, where four of the group became trapped in Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically lost their lives."

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial."

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