The father and daughter who died in a beach tragedy in Cornwall eight days ago have been identified as John Peter Collins, 66, and his daughter Samantha Adele Collins, 32, both from Doncaster. They were pulled from the water following an incident at Fistral Beach in Newquay on the night of July 26 and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police appeal for handbag
Devon and Cornwall Police have appealed for information about an orange or peach-coloured handbag belonging to Ms Collins, believed to contain personal items of great sentimental value. The force said the families have been informed.
Emergency services, including police, coastguard and ambulance crews, were at the beach from around 9.30pm into the early hours. Coastguard rescue teams from Newquay, Padstow and St Agnes, alongside Newquay RNLI lifeboats and a HM Coastguard helicopter, assisted with the response.
Inquest to open Tuesday
An inquest into the deaths will open on Tuesday and be heard in full at a later date. The inquest opening confirmed they both died in Newquay on July 26, Cornwall Live reports.
In its latest update on July 27, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We now understand that the woman who sadly lost her life had entered the water carrying a handbag described as orange or peach in colour, with a shoulder strap. The bag is believed to be leather-style and approximately 30cm by 30cm in size. It is thought to contain a number of personal items of great sentimental value to her loved ones. At what is an incredibly difficult time for the family, they would take great comfort in being reunited with these belongings if possible. We would be very grateful if anyone who finds a bag matching this description could hand it in to Newquay Police Station or contact us, quoting the incident number 50260197209."
Community response
Newquay Town Council said: "We are extremely saddened by the tragic events at Fistral Beach on Sunday evening, in which a father and daughter sadly lost their lives. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the emergency services, RNLI volunteers, coastguard teams and all those who responded to the incident."
The council shared the police's appeal for information about the handbag and asked people to respect the family's privacy. The force has not confirmed whether the bag has since been found.
