A 27-year-old shopkeeper from Swansea, Wales, tragically drowned while rescuing his two young nieces at a popular beauty spot in the Brecon Beacons. Mohananeethan "Mohan" Muruganantharajah was on a family day out at Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall on September 1, 2023, when the incident occurred.
An inquest heard that some family members decided to enter the water due to pleasant weather, but the two nieces got into difficulty. Mohan heroically saved them but was pulled under the water and became trapped under a ledge. Despite emergency services' efforts, his body was recovered the following day.
South Wales Central area coroner Patricia Morgan recorded a verdict of accidental death. She noted that the family had intended to walk and enjoy the scenery before entering the water. Mohan, who also worked as a qualified pilot, was remembered by his family as "a brother figure to everyone" who "touched so many lives."
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a multi-agency response involving fire service, mountain rescue, and air ambulances. The fire service located Mohan's body using an underwater camera around 7pm, but recovery was delayed due to site conditions. Specialist divers retrieved the body the next morning.
Mohan's family has called for more warning signs at the waterfall to prevent future tragedies.
