A former police officer has been charged with the manslaughter of four paddle boarders who drowned after getting caught up in a flooded weir.
Nerys Lloyd, 39, was in charge of the ill-fated expedition, believed to be Britain’s worst-ever paddle boarding accident.
Police have charged her with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one Health and Safety offence.
Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, Andrea Powell, 41, and instructor Paul O’Dwyer, 42, died in the accident on October 30 2021.
The four were trapped by ‘hydraulic towback with no means of escape,’ at a dangerous weir in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, according to a Marine Accidents Investigation Board report.
Lloyd left her job with South Wales Police three months after the tragedy and now works for a community charity.
She was the owner and sole director of an outdoor activity company called Salty Dog Co, based in Port Talbot, South Wales, which has now been wound up.
Rosemary Ainslie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said: ‘We have authorised Dyfed-Powys Police to charge Nerys Lloyd, 39, with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one health and safety offence following the deaths of four paddle boarders in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2021.
‘The charges relate to a commercial paddle boarding river tour on 30 October, 2021, where four of the group became trapped in Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically lost their lives.’
Ex-soldier and married father-of-three, Mr O’Dwyer was one of the leaders of the excursion, organised by the Salty Dog company.
Four people survived the incident on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest town centre.
Det Supt Cameron Ritchie, senior investigating officer of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the charges were made following a ‘lengthy investigation’.
He added: ‘The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have all been informed.’
Chief inspector of marine accidents Andrew Moll said: ‘Stand-up paddleboarding is probably the fastest-growing UK water sport with participation in recent years growing by nearly 300%.
Former soldier Paul, of Port Talbot, was described as a ‘devoted husband, father, son and brother.’
His family said: ‘He devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes.’
Toxicology expert Nicola Wheatley 40, of Pontarddulais, Swansea, was described as ‘a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife.’
The family said: ‘Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. She was amazing in every way. She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.’
Supermarket deputy manager Morgan Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil, was described as ‘the best that she could be. She will be sadly missed.’
Her family said: ‘Morgan was a beautiful, kind and loving soul, beloved by all who have been touched by her warm smile and her caring personality.
‘Morgan was never happier than when she was in the outdoors doing what she loved and spending time with her family.
‘She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and all those she has known along the way. Morgan will always be in our hearts and our memories. We will miss her dearly.’
Rosemary Ainslie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: ‘We have authorised Dyfed Powys Police to charge Nerys Lloyd, 39, with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one health and safety offence following the deaths of four paddleboarders in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2021.
‘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.
‘It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
Chief inspector of marine accidents Andrew Moll said: ‘Stand-up paddleboarding is probably the fastest-growing UK water sport with participation in recent years growing by nearly 300%.
‘However, like all water sports, those that buy or rent a paddleboard need to understand the risks.’
Mr Moll said paddle boarders should always wear the right equipment and a quick-release leash to get away from their boards in dangerous situations.
Inquests have been opened on Paul O’Dwyer of Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley, of Swansea and Andrea Powell of Bridgend.
Lloyd, of Aberavon, South Wales, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 3.