'Man tried to save daughter before both drowned'

A father jumped into the sea to try to save his daughter before both drowned, an inquest has heard.

John Collins, 66, and Samantha Collins, 32, were pulled from the water at Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, on 26 July.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the father and daughter from Doncaster in Yorkshire were pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest at Cornwall Coroner's Court in Truro on Tuesday heard the pair were on holiday and had been fishing when Samantha Collins was dragged into the sea and her father jumped in to try to save her. The inquest was adjourned until 19 July 2027.

Emergency services including the RNLI and coastguard were called to Fistral Beach at about 21:45 BST on Sunday after reports two people had been pulled from the water.

Assistant coroner Emma Hillson said: "Samantha Collins was on holiday with her family in Newquay.

"She and her father were fishing on rocks when Samantha was dragged into the sea.

"John tried to save her, but very sadly was unable to so and they both lost their lives."

Police previously said officers were trying to locate a handbag belonging to Ms Collins which it was believed she was carrying when she entered the water.

The shoulder bag, which is orange or peach-coloured, is thought to contain personal items with significant sentimental value.

"At what is an incredibly difficult time for the family, they would take great comfort in being reunited with these belongings if possible," police added.

The inquest heard John and Samantha Collins lived at the same address in Bennetthorpe, Doncaster.

Mr Collins was married and a retired technical engineer, while his daughter was single.

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