PRESELI MP Stephen Crabb has used a speech in Parliament to pay tribute to the victims of the paddleboard tragedy on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest last Saturday.

A party of nine who came over to Pembrokeshire to paddleboard got into difficulty in the waters of the river Cleddau at Haverfordwest, with three people confirmed dead.

Speaking in the Budget debate in the House of Commons, Mr Crabb saluted the work of the emergency services on the scene, along with members of the public, and the speed of their response to the horrific event. 

He said he wanted to put on record his, 'sympathies for the families of the victims, who are still coming to terms with the enormity of what happened at the weekend.’

Politicians from across the political spectrum and divide have come together to offer their condolences to the victims and their families and pay tribute to the efforts of the emergency services.

Labour MS Joyce Watson singled out local hero Joel Williams for his astounding efforts in helping to assist the stricken paddleboarders.

Joel tried to help a man on the banks of the river then dragged a woman out the water and administered CPR until the emergency services came to her aid.

Tributes have also been given to the three people now confirmed dead in the tragedy.

Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontardulais, Swansea and Paul O’Dwyer, 42, from Sandfields, Port Talbot, all lost their lives in the harrowing event.

Mr O’Dwyer was described as a ‘devoted husband, father, son and brother’, Ms Rogers was described as ‘the best she could be’, and describing third victim Nicola Wheatley, her family said she was amazing in every way.

“Nicola was a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife. She was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person.

“She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled and was amazing in every way.”

Mr Crabb has gone on record saying it is right that there is an official investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.