Tributes have been pouring in following the announcement that Paul O’Dwyer was one of the victims in the paddleboarding incident in Haverfordwest yesterday.
Vitality Health & Fitness posted on Facebook saying:
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we learn of the passing of one of our founders Paul O’Dwyer, following a tragic incident in West Wales. Words cannot express the feeling of loss our community is feeling today as the town mourns one of life’s unique characters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
You’ll be forever missed Rounds. 💔
Aberavon Green Stars FC posted on Facebook saying:
It’s been a horrendous 48 hours for our town, a weekend where we’ve lost some our finest.
Paul O’Dwyer, where do we begin? Everything the man did was for the benefit and betterment of others, he really did make the world a better place and has left a legacy of inspiration and hope to those who perhaps didn’t realise they needed it.
You’ll be sorely missed by all, Brother.
Earlier post from Your Herefordshire:
A man who has been named locally in Wales as Paul O’Dwyer had taken part in a charity event that went through Herefordshire on 22nd/23rd October.
Paul O’Dwyer from Port Talbot set off with two others on a 100 mile stand up paddleboard challenge on the River Wye, from Glasbury to Tintern. Sadly Paul died yesterday after getting into difficulty on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
You can donate to the cause Paul was paddleboarding on the Wye for by visiting – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/saltydogco?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=saltydogco&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=a154d7b6c7cb4bb697dfa741650d995b&fbclid=IwAR0y4N11ihI0Bh5PmjxL0PLQ0PaoPHa1NgkGtN3ZpAclngUnRj8xOukehzE
From Dyfed-Powys Police:
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.
Next of kin are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.
A further five people were rescued without injury.
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.
More than 20 police officers attended the scene, which remained cordoned off until around 5pm.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees said a full investigation was already underway, but at this stage his thoughts were focused on the loved ones of those who had died and the injured paddleboarder who remains in hospital.
He thanked emergency service colleagues for their swift support, and the public for their patience throughout the incident.
DCI Rees has appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to get in touch through a dedicated website at https://orlo.uk/HaverfordwestAppeal_naaDd
HM Coroner, Health and safety Executive and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have been informed.
A MAIB spokesman 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 co-operation with other agencies.
“The aim of the MAIB’s preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward.”
💬 https://orlo.uk/HaverfordwestAppeal_IH5s7
