Coroner Issues Urgent Warning Following Three Fatalities at Welsh Waterfall Site
A coroner has issued a stark warning and called for immediate safety improvements at a popular waterfall location in Wales, where three people have died within an 18-month period. The tragic incidents have raised serious concerns about visitor safety at the scenic Ystradfellte waterfalls in Powys.
Tragic Incidents Prompt Safety Review
Assistant coroner Rachel Knight expressed significant concerns during proceedings at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Thursday, highlighting what she described as "non-existent" phone signal and confusing signposting at the location. The coroner has formally called for additional safety measures to prevent future deaths at the popular tourist destination.
The inquest heard that Rachael Patching, 33, and Helen Patching, 52, a married couple from Kent who were visiting Wales for a walking holiday, drowned at Sgwd y Pannwr waterfall in January 2023. The tragedy occurred when one woman slipped and the other entered the water in an attempt to rescue her. Their bodies were discovered by a member of the public who alerted emergency services.
Second Tragedy Highlights Ongoing Risks
In a separate incident in June 2024, Corey Longdon, 26, from Gloucester, died during a visit to the same waterfall location. The inquest heard that Mr Longdon had been walking the trail with his aunt, Lisa Lane, when it is believed he fell while attempting to find a shortcut to the waterfall.
Ms Lane stated that she heard a "loud splash" followed by "someone screaming for help" after her nephew disappeared from view. Despite being airlifted to hospital, Mr Longdon had suffered what medical professionals described as "unsurvivable" injuries.
Families Voice Concerns About Safety Measures
Both families have raised serious concerns about what they perceive as insufficient warning signs at the waterfall location. A statement from Rachael Patching's family described the deaths as "devastating to our family and friends" and expressed their strong desire to prevent "another tragic accident at this location" that would leave another family facing similar grief.
The Ystradfellte waterfalls form part of a scenic walking trail within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience its natural beauty.
Conflicting Views on Safety Improvements
Catherine Mealing-Jones, chief executive of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, stated that she was "satisfied" that the trail's most common access points have adequate signage. She warned that implementing additional measures such as lifebuoy rings could potentially create new dangers in the water or encourage risky swimming behaviour.
However, coroner Rachel Knight countered this position, noting that paths are not clearly explained for those with minimal hiking experience and that signs informing visitors of closures are placed in what she described as "suboptimal positions."
Communication Challenges in Remote Locations
A particular concern highlighted during the inquest was the poor to non-existent mobile phone signal at many of the busiest and most remote locations where serious incidents are most likely to occur. The coroner emphasised that "a solution to this issue should be considered" as part of any comprehensive safety improvements.
Samuel Jones, representing Natural Resources Wales, informed the court that there has been "significant investment, new routes and fencing" implemented near the site of Mr Longdon's fall in efforts to enhance safety. He acknowledged the challenging balance between visitor safety and environmental preservation, stating that organisations "do take their responsibilities very seriously."
Mr Jones added the sobering reality that "people can go where they choose to go and understand the risk in doing so" in such natural environments, highlighting the complex relationship between personal responsibility and site management.
The coroner's warning comes as authorities continue to grapple with how best to protect visitors while maintaining the natural character of this popular Welsh beauty spot that has now been associated with multiple tragedies.
