Sisters drown in Welsh national park after paddling fully clothed
Two sisters drowned in a Welsh national park after paddling in a river while fully clothed.
An inquest has revealed the tragic drowning of two sisters, Hajra Zahid and Haleema, who perished while visiting a beauty spot in Eryri (Snowdonia) national park in Wales. The sisters, aged 29 and 25, were part of a group of five friends from the University of Chester, who split up for privacy when the sisters, unfortunately, ventured into the water fully clothed, despite being unable to swim. The incident occurred on June 11, 2025, on the Watkin Path, which leads to the summit of Snowdon, highlighting the dangers of wild swimming in unfamiliar locations.
The group had headed to a picturesque waterfall on the Afon Cwm Llan river, but when the brothers called out for the sisters after they separated, there was no response. Upon discovering the sisters' belongings on the shore, they realized something was critically wrong and initiated a search that led to the harrowing discovery of Hajra's body, who was found floating in the river. This incident not only underscores the risks posed by swimming in natural bodies of water but also raises concerns about safety measures in remote areas frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Local authorities and safety advocates are likely to respond to this tragedy by emphasizing the importance of being cautious in natural settings. The fatal accident has prompted discussions about the necessity of guidance for visitors in national parks to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, especially in areas where swimming may seem appealing but is strongly discouraged due to potential hazards.