British mother-of-two dies in snorkelling accident in Maldives

A mother of two has died while snorkelling in the Maldives to celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary.

Pamela Davies had been fulfilling the dream of a lifetime by swimming with turtles when she died in an accident close to the beach, according to her husband, Martin.

The couple, from the Tenby area of Pembrokeshire in South Wales, had travelled to the islands to celebrate their anniversary on 5 November. Ms Davies died four days beforehand.

Mr Davies said on Facebook that he had lost “the most wonderful wife any man could ever ask for” and that she would always be the love of his life.

He recalled: “We had been snorkelling together off the beach in front of the hotel in perfect conditions – no waves, swell, wind or anything that would make you think that it was anything other than idyllic.

“Pam had always wanted to swim with turtles and that is what she was doing when tragedy struck less than a stone’s throw from the beach.”

He said his wife had been a well-known face around Tenby and an active member of the local agricultural and horse scene.

She had worked in the advertising department of The Tenby Observer for several years after working at the seaside town’s tourist information centre. Newspaper colleagues said she was a cherished member of staff.

One of the couple’s sons, Lloyd Davies, wrote on Facebook: “Mum, I don’t know how to write this or how to process any of it, I haven’t got the words right now and I’m not sure I ever will. All I know is I will love you and miss you for the rest of my life.”

After his mother’s body was brought back to the UK, he added: “We simply cannot put into words how grateful we are for the love and care you have shown us during what has been the worst few days of our lives, and for the outpouring of love for Mum.”

Martin Davies said: "Pam meant a lot to many people from all walks of life in her various roles over the years and the amount of support I (and Lloyd & Morgan) have received has been so comforting - I wish I could reply to everyone personally, which I will try to do, but for now I would just like to thank each and everyone who have taken time to let me know that they are thinking about us.”

Paul Evans, of The Tenby Observer, said: “Pam was a lovely lady, and well-thought of amongst her colleagues at the Observer.”