Three people have died in a paddle-boarding incident in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
The announcement follows a multi-agency response scrambled shortly after 9am on Saturday, following reports of people in distress on the Cleddau River. They were among nine adults from the south Wales area who had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle-boarding excursion.
Two women and a man died at the scene, and a woman remains in a critical condition in hospital. Their next of kin are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.
A further five people were rescued without injury.
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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, assisted with the rescue.
Two fire boats were launched to assist with bank and river searches, with crews working closely with the attending Coastguard teams.
Helicopter support was provided 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.
DCI Rees appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to get in touch through a dedicated website here.
A member of the public is also believed to have entered the water to attempt a rescue, later exiting the water safely.
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.”
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