A MAJOR multi-agency rescue operation is underway in the River Cleddau in the centre of Haverfordwest today (Sat, Oct 30).
The incident centres around the section of water in front of the County Council offices.
The Herald understands that there is a frantic search for a number of individuals who were paddle boarding in the water early this morning, between 0830 HRS and 0900 HRS.
The paddle boarders got into difficulty when there was a sudden downpour of rain which made the conditions in the river suddenly treacherous.
A number of rescue teams from all over South and West Wales are at the scene including a diving team from Swansea. Nets and hoses have been hung between the river banks to keep rescuers safe.
A rescue helicopter from HM Coastguard is searching the river from above. Local coastguard teams and fire brigade are assisting.
Dyfed Powys Police have issued a statement confirming that there were reports of people in the water. A spokesperson said: “A multi-agency search is taking place of the river Cleddau in Haverfordwest following reports of people in distress in the water.
“The Quay Street and surrounding areas have been cordoned off, and we are asking the public to keep clear of the area at this time.“Ambulance, Fire and Coastguard crews, including Coastguard helicopter, are assisting with the search.”
Rescuers have been seen searching an area near The Bristol Trader public house in inflatable ribs.
A witness told The Herald that divers had been seen at the scene.
Four helicopters involved in the operation including two air ambulances, one police helicopter and the coastguard helicopter.
The operation is ongoing. There is currently no confirmation on the number of people missing in the river.
One eyewitness said: ‘I’ve heard they recovered a body and a young woman was pulled out of the river and she wasn’t looking too good. They are still searching for a third person who was swept down the river.’
The paddle boarders were well equipped and in wetsuits but locals say the river levels had risen because of high rainfall in recent days.
It comes amid warnings to be careful of dangerous ‘fast flowing and deep floodwaters’ as a landslide following torrential rain led to police shutting a road in the village of Nefyn, Gwynedd, this morning.
