Dad and daughter who died in Fistral Beach tragedy identified as family devastated

Dad and daughter who died in Fistral Beach tragedy identified as family devastated John Peter Collins, 66, and his daughter Samantha Adele Collins, 32, both from Doncaster, died after an incident at Fistral Beach in Newquay on July 26 A father and daughter who died in a beach tragedy in Cornwall eight days ago have been named ahead of an inquest opening. John Peter Collins, 66, and his daughter Samantha Adele Collins, 32, both from Doncaster, were pulled from the water following an incident at Fistral Beach in Newquay on the night of July 26. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Devon and Cornwall Police said the victims' families have been informed and appealed for information about an orange or peach-coloured handbag belonging to Ms Collins, which is believed to contain personal items of great sentimental value to her loved ones. Emergency services, including police, coastguard and ambulance crews, were seen 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, the force said. An inquest into the deaths of the father and daughter 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." The force has not confirmed whether the bag has since been found. Following the tragedy, 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, urging anyone who finds it to contact the force. It also asked people to respect the family's privacy. The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.