A young woman tragically died after a paddleboard accident during which two others also faced difficulties.
Emma Louise Powell passed away in Conqy Morfa, North Wales, after she and two other paddle boarders got into difficulties at the popular beauty spot.
A major search and rescue operation for the 24-year-old and the two others was mounted which involved the RNLI, the police, ambulance crews, and a coastguard helicopter, NorthWalesLive reports.
All three people were rescued from the water, but Emma tragically passed away at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, in the early hours of the morning.
Emma's family have paid tribute to her, and thanked people for the support they have received.
In a post on the GoFundMe site, they wrote: "On July 15, 2022, we have sadly lost our beloved Emma Louise. Emma was involved in a tragic accident where she sadly drowned at Conwy Morfa beach.
"Emma was like no other, everyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with her had no choice but to love her. She was a huge happy go lucky personality.
"She was such a vibrant soul with a huge heart, but could also be a stroppy cow when she wanted to be, but that’s just our Emma.
"We are creating this GoFundMe in hopes that Emma’s loved family and friends will help give Emma the big send off she deserves.
"With no plans set ahead yet, what we do know is that Emma is going to have the greatest send off that we possibly can do for her, in Emma’s words “Go Big or Go Home”.
In a statement released through North Wales Police later they said: “Emma was a beautiful young lady, who was adventurous and had a free spirit. She will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives."
Earlier today a North Wales Police spokesman said: "We received a call at 10.14pm last night (Thursday) reporting a group of paddleboarders in difficulty in the water off Conwy Morfa.
"Officers attended alongside colleagues from HM Coastguard and Welsh Ambulance, who attended to three casualties.
"Two of the casualties were taken by ambulance to Ysbyty Gwynedd but sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, one person passed away in hospital.
"The local coroner has been informed, and specialist officers will be supporting the family of the deceased."
A spokeswoman for the coastguard said: "An extensive search and rescue was carried out after three people got into difficulty at Beacons Jetty, Conwy last night.
"Coastguard rescue teams from Bangor and Llandudno were sent, along with Conwy RNLI lifeboat, the coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon, the Welsh Ambulance Service and North Wales Police.
You can make a donation to the Emma Louise Powell funeral funds appeal here.
