TWO paddleboarders are feared missing after a sudden storm caused a river to turn into a torrent.
One was taken to hospital after police in Wales received reports of "people in distress" in the raging waters of the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
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A search operation has been launched after two paddle boarders went missing in the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Credit: Athena
Witnesses said the paddleboarders were on the river shortly before 9am today when a downpour caused the river levels to rise dramatically.
Emergency services launched a major operation with a fleet of ambulances, helicopters and police called to the scene as the search was mounted.
One witness said: "There is a hell of a lot of police and emergency services here.
"We are just praying they are safe.
SEARCH OPERATION
"We heard that there were three paddleboarders out there and caught in the flood. It is a regular place for these paddleboarders."
A spokesman from the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 9.16am this morning to reports of a water-based incident involving multiple people near Quay Street, Haverfordwest.
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“We responded with two rapid response vehicles, three emergency ambulances and two units from the Wales Air Ambulance.
“As of 1pm one patient had been transferred by road to Withybush Hospital for further treatment."
A Dyfed-Powys Police stated: "A multi-agency search is taking place of the river Cleddau in Haverfordwest following reports of people in distress in the water.
"The Quay Street and surrounding areas have been cordoned off, and we are asking the public to keep clear of the area at this time.
"Ambulance, Fire and Coastguard crews, including Coastguard helicopter, are assisting with the search."
A lifeboat from nearby Angle wasn launched to join the search.
The river is running high and fast following the heavy rain overnight.
A rescue helicopter from HM Coastguard has joined the search, with local coastguard teams and fire brigade assisting.
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Three paddle boards were recovered by emergency services Credit: Athena 6
An air ambulance was at the scene Credit: Athena 6
A multi-agency search operation is taking place at the site today Credit: Athena 6
A sudden storm had turned the river into a torrent Credit: Athena
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Emergency services were scrambled to the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Wales Credit: Athena