A former police officer has been charged with the manslaughter of four rowers who drowned after becoming trapped in a flooded dam.
Nerys Lloyd, 39, was in charge of the ill-fated expedition, which is believed to be Britain’s worst stand-up paddleboarding accident.
Police have charged her with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence and a health and safety offence.
Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, Andrea Powell, 41, and instructor Paul O’Dwyer, 42, died in the crash on October 30, 2021.
The four were trapped by a “hydraulic tow with no means of escape” in a dangerous dam at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, according to a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Board.
Former police officer Nerys Lloyd, 39, has been charged with the manslaughter of four rowers who drowned after becoming trapped in a flooded dam.
The ill-fated expedition on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest (pictured) is believed to be Britain’s worst stand-up paddleboarding accident.
Healthcare worker Nicola Wheatley (pictured left) was one of four people who drowned in the tragedy. Paul O’Dwyer (right) was one of the leaders of the excursion and also died.
Morgan Rogers (pictured), 24, also died in the tragedy, which took place on October 30, 2021.
Lloyd left his 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 company called Salty Dog Co, based in Port Talbot, South Wales, which has now closed.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crimes Division, said: “We have authorized Dyfed-Powys Police to charge Nerys Lloyd, 39, with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence and one health and safety offense following the deaths of four rowers in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2021.
“The charges relate to a commercial river paddle boarding tour on October 30, 2021, where four members of the group became trapped on the Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically lost their lives.”
A former soldier and married father of three, Mr O’Dwyer was one of the leaders of the excursion, organized by the company Salty Dog.
Four people survived the incident at the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest town centre.
Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie, senior investigating officer at Dyfed-Powys Police, said the charges were laid after a “lengthy investigation”.
He added: “The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have been informed.”
Chief Marine Accident Inspector Andrew Moll said: “Stand-up paddleboarding is probably the fastest growing water sport in the UK, with participation increasing by almost 300% in recent years.”
Nerys Lloyd of Aberavon, South Wales, has been charged with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Morgan Rogers, who was among the victims of the disaster, was described as a “beautiful, kind and loving soul.” She appears in the photo with a dog.
Former soldier Paul, from Port Talbot, was described as a “devoted husband, father, son and brother”.
His family said: “He dedicated his life to contributing to society in his many adventures raising money for different causes.”
Toxicology expert Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, was described as “a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife”.
The family said: ‘Nicola was a beautiful, loving, thoughtful and fun person. She was amazing in every way. It has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.’
Merthyr Tydfil supermarket assistant manager Morgan Rogers was described as “the best she could be”. “We will miss her very much.”
Her family said: ‘Morgan was a beautiful, kind and loving soul, loved by all who have been touched by her warm smile and caring personality.
‘Morgan was never happier than when he was outdoors doing what he loved and spending time with his family.
‘She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all those she has met along the way. Morgan will always be in our hearts and in our memories. “We will miss her very much.”
Laying flowers near the spot on the Cleddau River where the group died after finding themselves in trouble
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “We have authorized Dyfed Powys Police to charge Nerys Lloyd, 39, with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence and a health and safety offense after the deaths of four rowers in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2021.
‘The charges relate to a commercial river paddle boarding tour on 30 October 2021, where four members of the group became trapped on the Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically lost their lives.
‘The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the accused are active and that she is entitled to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that no reports, comments or information are shared online that could in any way undermine these proceedings.”
Chief Marine Accident Inspector Andrew Moll said: “Stand-up paddleboarding is probably the fastest growing water sport in the UK, with participation increasing by almost 300% in recent years.”
“However, like all water sports, those purchasing or renting a paddleboard should understand the risks.”
Moll said paddleboarders should always use the proper equipment and a quick-release leash to get away from their boards in dangerous situations.
Investigations have been opened into Paul O’Dwyer of Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley from Swansea and Andrea Powell from Bridgend.
Lloyd, of Aberavon, South Wales, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 3.
