Salt Dog Director Nerys Lloyd Jailed for Death of Four Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, Nicola Wheatley in UK’s Worst Paddleboarding Tragedy

A company owner has been jailed for the gross negligence manslaughter of four paddleboarders who died during an organised tour in Pembrokeshire.

Nerys Lloyd, 39, who was the owner and sole director of Salty Dog Co Ltd, was jailed for a total of 10-and-a-half years for the gross negligence manslaughter of Paul O’Dwyer, 42, Andrea Powell, 41, Morgan Rogers, 24, and Nicola Wheatley, 40, following their deaths in Haverfordwest Town Weir on 30 October 2021.

The incident marked the UK’s worst ever paddleboarding tragedy.

The four victims were part of a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) paddleboarding tour – organised by Salty Dog Co Ltd – and Lloyd was present as an instructor on the day of the tragedy alongside fellow instructor Mr O’Dwyer, who was killed.

On 30 October 2021, there had been heavy flooding, and severe weather warnings were in place. The river was running fast, and the weir was in an extremely hazardous condition.

The flood conditions meant the water approaching the weir was high, but the tidal conditions after the weir were lower. At times of high flow in the non-tidal river, the water will accelerate dramatically over the weir, creating a recirculation of water (tow back) at its base, which can prevent people from escaping.

As the group approached the weir, the three participants were pulled over the top into its base and became trapped.

Co-instructor O’Dwyer initially exited the river safely and re-entered the water to rescue the others, but was immediately dragged over the top. The four victims died as a result of drowning.

An expert concluded that the tour should not have taken place while encompassing the weir and that Lloyd did not have a suitable qualification, and her planning and supervision were inadequate.

The prosecution followed a joint investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Lloyd previously pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act at Swansea Crown Court on 5 March 2025.