Paddleboard instructor Nerys Lloyd, 39, is set to be sentenced today for the gross negligence manslaughter of four individuals in Pembrokeshire. The victims identified as Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley tragically lost their lives during a paddleboarding excursion led by Lloyd. The fatal incident occurred at the Haverfordwest town weir on October 30, 2021. Lloyd, who was the owner and sole director of Salty Dog Co Ltd, has admitted guilt to the charges brought against her following the devastating incident.
The court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court revealed distressing details about the tragic event. Lloyd was highlighted as being inadequately qualified to oversee the paddleboarding activity on the River Cleddau that day, which was marred by hazardous conditions including heavy flooding and severe weather warnings. Despite the unfavorable conditions, a group of eight individuals embarked on the tour that fateful morning. None of the participants were reportedly aware of the weir ahead or how to navigate it safely.
Text exchanges between the defendant and victim Paul O’Dwyer indicated a suggested alternative route in Milford Haven, which Lloyd dismissed. As the group advanced, Lloyd successfully made it down the fish ramp but unfortunately, chaos unfolded when the others followed, leading to some being entrapped and ultimately swept over the weir. Tragically, all four victims succumbed to drowning as a result of the incident. Furthermore, emotional testimony from Nicola Wheatley’s husband Darren underscored the profound impact of the loss on the families affected, as he condemned Lloyd’s actions and accused her of being self-serving and callous.
The sentencing session for Lloyd promises to be a pivotal moment in this tragic case, offering closure and justice for the families of the deceased. The gravity of the charges of gross negligence manslaughter underscores the serious consequences of disregarding safety protocols in outdoor activities. The community awaits the outcome of the court’s decision on the matter, seeking accountability for the lives lost and closure for those mourning the victims.
Overall, this devastating incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially in outdoor recreational pursuits where risks are inherent. The sentencing of Nerys Lloyd will not only provide closure to the bereaved families but also hopefully serve as a cautionary tale to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated in the future. May the victims rest in peace, and may their loved ones find solace and justice in the aftermath of this sorrowful event.