The three victims of the River Cleddau tragedy have now been named by police.
The first of two women who died in the paddle boarding accident had a “beautiful, kind and loving soul”, her family have said.
Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, was part of a group of nine people on a weekend exploring the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest.
Miss Rogers, who was a deputy store manager at a supermarket, and two others, a man and a woman, died in the incident while another woman was critically injured.
A further five people were pulled out of the river by the emergency services but had no injuries.
The group were from the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, an organisation based in Port Talbot.
A statement from Miss Rogers’ family, given to the PA news agency, 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.”
The second woman who lost her life has now been named as Nicola Wheatley
Her family said: “We are devastated by our loss. Nicola was a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife.
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.
We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
A moving tribute from colleagues of National Poisons Information Service reads as follows: “Nikki began her employment with Cardiff And Vale UHB in July 2006 as a Specialist in Poisons Information with the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), Cardiff, having begun her toxicology career with Guys and St Thomas’s, London.
“A highly experienced member of the 24/7 telephone enquiry team, Nikki provided advice to healthcare professionals managing poisoned patients. She will be remembered for her calm, friendly and totally professional manner – even when faced with the most difficult of cases.
“Nikki was an enthusiastic, dedicated and an incredibly capable colleague. She was our ‘go to’ person for organising projects and campaigns. Recently, she successfully oversaw a complex and challenging project developing safety sheets for our pharmacy colleagues at the St Mary’s unit. Nikki is also remembered as a gifted and dedicated scientist, who made significant contributions to the field of toxicology and presented her work at an international level.
“Through her lovely personality, Nikki made many friends during her time in public service and will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues at the NPIS. Nikki leaves her young family, husband and extended family. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.”
The family of Paul O’Dwyer, who lost his life trying to save the two women who died, told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Paul O’Dwyer aged 42, who gave his life to save others.
“He was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. He devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes.
“Paul was a water baby.
“His passion for the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age.
“His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. He was an army surfing champion, British Army 7 aside rugby team member, Aberavon Green stars rugby player, ski instructor and completed multiple times in British and Welsh 3 peak events.
“His tick list also included the London Marathon, running a 100 mile race, numerous triathlons including Ironman Wales and recently Stand Up Paddle boarding 100 miles in 21 hours to raise money for heart screening in Port Talbot. Paul also helped to set up a charity Sa1ute to support veterans.
“We as a family are truly thankful for the kind messages sent to us in our time of great sadness.”
The police today confirmed that a woman remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The group were from the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, an organisation based in Port Talbot.
One of those on the trip, Cleaning Company Manager Vickie McKinven from Hubberston, Milford Haven, said Mr O’Dwyer died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir.
He was a former soldier and father-of-three.
Neath Port Talbot councillor Matthew Crowley knew Mr O’Dwyer for most of his life, and said he had always been a sports lover, and was the “life and soul of the party, from a real young age”.
Ms McKinven told The Pembrokeshire Herald that she had pulled out of the morning paddle because she was concerned about the weather conditions.
In a statement read outside Haverfordwest Police Station, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees, of Dyfed-Powys Police, revealed the nine people got into difficulties after reaching the weir near Quay Street.
He said the force first received reports of people in difficulty at about 09:00 BST on Saturday.
“A group of nine adults from the south Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle boarding excursion yet had got into difficulties at the weir adjacent to Quay Street.
“A significant operation, a rescue operation, was commenced involving resources from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Wales Ambulance Service Trust, Dyfed-Powys Police, the coastguard and the RNLI. Search activity was assisted by helicopters.”
He added the exact circumstances are now being “thoroughly investigated”.
Detective Chief Inspector Rees told this newspaper that his thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones, and of the injured person, adding: “Paddleboarding is a growing leisure pursuit, and we would encourage those engaging in the activity to ensure they understand the weather conditions and water conditions at a particular location where they may be enjoying that sport.”
