A father and daughter were swept to their deaths at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, on Sunday night. The man, in his 60s, and his daughter, in her 30s, were pulled from the sea at around 9:45pm. Despite efforts to revive them, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The pair were on holiday from Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Emergency response
A coastguard helicopter was scrambled, along with search and rescue teams from Newquay, Padstow and St Agnes, and lifeboats from Newquay RNLI. A police cordon was put in place but has since been removed. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a woman in her 30s and a man in his 60s, who were both from Doncaster, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their families have been informed, and thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Police appeal for handbag
Police revealed that the woman entered the water carrying a handbag described as “orange or peach” in colour with a shoulder strap. It is believed to be leather-style, about 30cm by 30cm in size, containing personal items of “great sentimental value to her loved ones”. The spokesman added: “At what is an incredibly difficult time for the family, they would take great comfort in being reunited with these belongings if possible.”
Mayor of Newquay reacts
Mayor Drew Creek described the solemn mood in the town. He said: "We're all feeling the loss of the individuals. They were down on holiday we understand and [this is] not the way you would want anyone's holiday here in Newquay to be. Our thoughts and our feelings go out to the families affected." He added that residents heard the helicopter "quite low over the bay" and "our worst fears were realised this morning when we woke up to the news."
Other drownings
The tragedy came hours after a man died after getting into difficulty in the sea near West Wittering beach, West Sussex, at around 2:30pm on Sunday. Police pulled two men from the water; one died at the scene, the other was taken to hospital. Separately, last week, Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha drowned at West Mersea, Essex. A relative said they were swept out by a “very strong” tide. Six family members were paddling when they were knocked off their feet. Ahmed's seven-year-old son Musa remained on a life support machine in a London hospital.
Since late May, 40 people have drowned in open water amid record-breaking temperatures. The Mirror's Save Lives for Sam campaign is calling for compulsory water safety lessons, a national awareness drive, proper rescue equipment, and Sam’s Law to make protections permanent. The campaign is named after Sam Haycock, 16, who died in a reservoir in Rotherham in 2021.
