PEMBROKESHIRE, Wales—A tragic paddleboarding incident on the River Cleddau has led to the sentencing of tour operator Nerys Bethan Lloyd to 10 years and six months in prison. Lloyd, a former police officer and owner of Salty Dog Co Ltd, pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and breaching health and safety regulations, following the deaths of four people on October 30, 2021.
The victims—Paul O’Dwyer, 42, Andrea Powell, 41, Morgan Rogers, 24, and Nicola Wheatley, 40—were swept over a weir during a guided paddleboarding tour under hazardous conditions. Mr. O’Dwyer initially made it to safety but returned to the water in an effort to rescue others. Ms. Powell succumbed to her injuries six days later in hospital.
At Swansea Crown Court, Mrs Justice Stacey highlighted Lloyd’s “blatant disregard” for life, describing the incident as a result of “lax” health and safety practices. The weir was deemed “an obvious and extreme danger” by the judge, who criticized Lloyd’s failure to account for flood warnings issued by the Met Office and Natural Resources Wales.
Expert testimony concluded the tour “should not have taken place,” with paddleboarding specialist Andrew Gratwick describing the weir as a severe risk that would have been apparent to any qualified instructor. Justice Stacey noted that Lloyd, along with Mr. O’Dwyer, lacked the proper qualifications to conduct such activities.
The court heard that high water levels had transformed Haverfordwest’s weir into a perilous zone. Prosecutor Mark Watson KC argued that the victims and participants were unprepared for the danger, recounting how strong currents carried all seven participants over the weir crest in mere seconds.
A voice message from Lloyd, recorded on the day of the tragedy, admitted full responsibility: “It’s my fault 100%. I probably shouldn’t have gone on the water.” Her remorse was acknowledged by her lawyer, David Elias KC, who cited Lloyd’s prior good character and efforts to assist during the incident.
Mrs Justice Stacey commended Joel Williams, a bystander who performed CPR on one of the victims, describing his actions as “incredible bravery.” The judge also paid tribute to the victims’ families, acknowledging the profound grief caused by the incident.
The case sheds light on the critical importance of rigorous health and safety standards in recreational activities and serves as a somber reminder of the risks posed by adverse weather conditions.
(SkyNews)
