Tributes have been paid to a firefighter who died in a boat tragedy on the Cleddau waterway on Tuesday morning

Josh Gardener, 35, of Milford Haven, died from his injuries after two boats crashed during a training exercise on the Cleddau at approximately 11.30 am.

A serving firefighter with the Mid and West?Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the devoted father-of-two has since been described as a ‘little guy with a big heart’, an ‘outstanding friend’ and was ‘doing the job he always wanted to do’.

Chris Davies, Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Josh joined the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in September 2018 and was posted to Milford Haven Fire Station to begin his fire service career.

“At this incredibly difficult time, our sympathy and thoughts are with Josh’s family.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks to all colleagues within Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service for the professionalism that has been shown, under extremely difficult circumstances. The unity I have seen from across the Service has been humbling and greatly appreciated by the crews at Milford Haven Fire Station. ”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have said that the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed and they will be working with them to establish what happened.

It wants anyone who was in the Cleddau waterway area between Lawrenny and Neyland between 10.30 am and 12 pm on Tuesday and has information about the incident to call them on 101 quoting DP-20190917-101.

Friends of Mr. Gardener have since launched a gofundme fundraising page in his memory to support his young son and daughter and already over £9,000 has been raised.

If you wish to donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com › in-memory-of-josh-gardener