A 27-year-old shopkeeper from Swansea has died after heroically saving his two young nieces from drowning at a popular beauty spot in the Brecon Beacons. Mohananeethan 'Mohan' Muruganantharajah, who also worked as a qualified pilot, was on a family day out at Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall on September 1, 2023, when the tragedy occurred.
According to an inquest, some family members decided to enter the water due to pleasant weather. When the two girls began struggling, Mohan jumped in to rescue them. He managed to save both children but was pulled under the water and became trapped beneath a ledge. Emergency services were unable to rescue him, and his body was recovered the following day.
South Wales Central area coroner Patricia Morgan ruled the death an accident, stating that while helping his family to safety, Mohan was dragged underwater and did not resurface. A multi-agency search involving police, fire services, and mountain rescue teams located his body using an underwater camera, but recovery was delayed until specialist divers arrived the next morning.
In a tribute, Mohan’s family described him as 'a brother figure to everyone' who 'touched so many lives.' They have since called for more warning signs to be installed around the waterfall to prevent future tragedies. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene at around 4.40pm and that the family is being supported by specialist officers.
