A father who dived into the sea to rescue his daughter after she was swept off rocks at a popular Cornish beach also lost his life, an inquest has been told. John Peter Collins, 66, and his daughter Samantha Adele Collins, 32, were both recovered from the water at Fistral Beach in Newquay on July 26, but could not be saved.
Holiday turned to tragedy
Cornwall Coroner’s Court heard the family, who lived in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, were on holiday in the seaside town when the incident unfolded. Assistant coroner Emma Hillson outlined the events at a brief hearing in Truro on August 4.
“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,” said Ms Hillson. “John tried to save her, but very sadly was unable to do so and they both lost their lives.”
The court was told that Adele Collins, wife of Mr Collins and mother of Miss Collins, formally identified both bodies. Post-mortem examinations were carried out at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske on July 29, with the provisional cause of death for both given as drowning.
Coroner opens joint inquest
Ms Hillson said she suspected the deaths may have been from unnatural causes, given the circumstances. “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,” she added.
The hearing also heard that Mr Collins was a retired technical engineer and married, while his daughter was single. Devon and Cornwall Police had previously confirmed that officers were called to Fistral Beach at around 9.45pm on July 26 after the pair were reported in difficulty. Emergency services attended, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Appeal for sentimental bag
Police have also issued an appeal for help tracing a handbag believed to have been with Miss Collins when she entered the water. Described as orange or peach in colour with a shoulder strap, it is thought to contain personal items of great sentimental value to her loved ones.
A police spokeswoman said: “At what is an incredibly difficult time for the family, they would take great comfort in being reunited with these belongings if possible.” Anyone who finds a bag matching the description is asked to hand it in at Newquay police station or contact police quoting incident number 50260197209.
The deaths have prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of fishing from rocks along the Cornish coast, where sudden waves and strong currents can catch even experienced anglers off guard. Fistral Beach is known for its powerful surf and is popular with surfers, but the rocky headlands at either end can be hazardous.
Community in mourning
Tributes have been paid to the father and daughter from Doncaster, with friends and neighbours describing them as a close-knit family who enjoyed spending time together. The local community in Newquay has also expressed shock at the tragedy, which occurred during the busy summer holiday period.
The joint inquest is expected to examine the full circumstances of the incident, including the weather and sea conditions at the time, as well as the response of the emergency services. The family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
