Three people have died and one is in critical condition in hospital after a group of paddleboarders got into distress on a river in Wales, police have confirmed.
A man and two women died at the scene while another woman continues to be treated at Withybush Hospital, police said.
Five people who were rescued from the water were uninjured.
Emergency services descended on the river Cleddau in Haverfordwest on Saturday to take part in a multi-agency river rescue to search for individuals in the river.
Severe rain had meant the river was in flood and had become turbulent.
Those involved are said to have been a part of the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, an organisation based in Port Talbot.
The group of nine people were from different areas across South Wales and were on an annual tour, spending the weekend together exploring the river.
One of the members said she had pulled out of the paddle on the morning of the incident as she was concerned about the conditions.
Vickie Mckinven, from Milford Haven, told PA Media: “Absolutely heartbreaking, was all good friends. And did so much to raise money for charities.”
A member of the public is also believed to have entered the water to attempt a rescue, later exiting the water safely.
Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet released the names of those who have died but said their next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees said a full investigation was already under way 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.
The force said: “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.”
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.
Horrific incident in Haverfordwest this afternoon. Thoughts with all involved and the emergency services responding. https://t.co/av6J3kTgM7
— Stephen Crabb (@SCrabbPembs) October 30, 2021
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.
