Emergency services unable to find anyone in River Taff search
A canoeist feared missing in a swollen river could be a holidaymaker visiting South Wales, police have said.Witnesses reported seeing the capsized canoe and a person in the water as Storm Francis raged.But police say that despite "extensive" searches involving helicopters no one has been found.They added that because they have not received a missing person's report they believe the canoe could belong to a holidaymaker visiting the area.
South Wales Police had been searching the river throughout yesterday but due to the adverse weather conditions, searches of the water had been stood down.
The search resumed this morning, but police said they've been unable to find anyone.
South Wales Police said: "No relevant missing person reports have been received by South Wales Police."We are now urging those further afield who know of someone who has travelled to south Wales and may have taken part in water sports – but has not made contact or returned home – to come forward."
Police tweeted an image of a wetsuit they found whilst conducting their search for the canoeist, appealing for anyone who recognises the recovered items or who was in the River Taff yesterday and may have been mistaken for having got in to difficulty, to call 101.
A helicopter and lifeboat were spotted searching along the river, going into Cardiff Bay on Tuesday morning.
The search for a capsized canoeist in Taff's Well had also been called off but that has also resumed on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services also had to rescue a woman from the River Ely on Tuesday morning, but they confirmed she'd been taken to safety.
Storm Francis has lashed Wales with strong winds and rain, causing rivers to swell and burst over in some places.
Flooding at Dipping Bridge in Bridgend on the River Ogmore on Tuesday morning meant the road had to be closed and people were evacuated from a campsite near St Clears.