Operation Janelle: Claerwen Reservoir

Dyfed-Powys Police issued a renewed plea for public assistance one year after a man’s body was discovered in the Claerwen Reservoir. Despite twelve months of extensive forensic work, international enquiries, and missing person searches, the individual remains unidentified. 2 years on - the operation has still not been successful in identifying this man.

The Discovery

On October 18, 2023, emergency services were called to a remote section of the Claerwen Reservoir in the Elan Valley. At the scene, they recovered the body of a man who experts believe had been in the water for up to 12 weeks prior to discovery.

Operation Junella was launched to determine the man’s identity and the circumstances surrounding his death. However, investigators have reached a stalemate. With no personal belongings, jewellery, or identification found at the scene, police are relying on a single piece of clothing and physical descriptions to provide a breakthrough.

Description of the Deceased

Forensic examinations suggest the man was between 30 and 60 years old and stood approximately 6 feet tall. At the time of his discovery, he was wearing A "Zone 3 Agile" wetsuit (Size: Extra Large). According to manufacturer specifications, this size typically fits an individual between 6'0" and 6'5" tall, weighing between 202lbs and 220lbs, with a 44- to 48-inch chest.

The “Zone 3” Agile Wetsuit

Over a Year of Exhaustive Enquiries

Detective Inspector Ponting, leading the investigation, emphasised the emotional weight of the case.

"This is someone’s son, possibly someone’s partner, brother, or father," DI Ponting stated. "We would like to be able to return them to any family or loved ones who might be missing them."

Over the last 2 years, the following steps have been taken:

• Missing Persons Databases: Comparison against records from Dyfed-Powys and all other UK police forces.

• Forensics: Running fingerprints and DNA through national and international databases.

• International Liaison: Working with Interpol and overseas authorities to see if the description matches any foreign nationals.

To date, all lines of enquiry have "drawn a blank."

How You Can Help

Police are focusing on the window between July 2023 and October 18, 2023. They are asking anyone who visited the Claerwen Reservoir during this time to consider the following:

• Sightings: Did you see anyone matching the description or wearing a similar wetsuit in the area?

• Missing Persons: Are you aware of a friend, colleague, or family member who has not been seen for some time and matches this physical profile?

• Media: Do you have photos or videos taken at the reservoir during late summer or autumn 2023 that might show something in the background?

Contact Information

If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, you are urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police:

• Online: Submit information, photos, or videos directly via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).

• Phone: Call 101 and refer to Operation Junella.

"There must be someone out there who is missing this person," said DI Ponting. "If you think you can help us identify him, please get in touch."