A father and his daughter both drowned while on holiday at a popular beach after he tried to save her from the sea, an inquest has heard.
John Peter Collins, 66, and Samantha Adele Collins, 32, were both pulled from the water at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall on July 26.
An inquest opening into their deaths at Cornwall Coroner’s Court heard their family, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, had been on holiday in the seaside town, reports CornwallLive.
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.”
Adele Collins, the wife of Mr Collins and mother of Miss Collins, identified their bodies, the hearing was told.
Post-mortem examinations were performed at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske on July 29.
The provisional cause of death for both father and daughter was given as drowning.
View 3 ImagesFistral beach in Newquay, Cornwall (file image)(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
“Given the reported circumstances of the death, and the provisional cause of death, I have reason to suspect the death may be as a result of an unnatural cause,” the coroner said.
“I am going to adjourn for a provisional full hearing date of July 19 2027 at 10am, with a time estimate of three hours. This will be a joint inquest.”
The hearing in Truro heard Mr Collins was married and a retired technical engineer, while his daughter was single. Devon and Cornwall Police previously confirmed officers were called to Fistral Beach at about 9.45pm on July 26.
Both Mr Collins and his daughter had been recovered from the water. Emergency services attended, but the pair were pronounced dead at the scene.
View 3 ImagesFistral Beach(Image: Cornwall Live)
Miss Collins is believed to have entered the water carrying a handbag, described as orange or peach in colour, with a shoulder strap.
A police spokeswoman previously said it was “thought to contain a number of personal items of great sentimental value to her loved ones”.
READ MORE: Suspect in murder of woman found dead in suitcase spouted hate for Christian aid workers online
READ MORE: Harrowing CCTV footage captures moment man ‘wheels suitcase with body of Scots woman’
“At what is an incredibly difficult time for the family, they would take great comfort in being reunited with these belongings if possible,” she added.
Anyone who finds a bag matching the description is asked to hand it into Newquay police station, or to contact police with the incident number 50260197209.
Article continues below
Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.