Dad, 66, & daughter, 32, killed on surfing beach are named after he ‘tried to save her when she entered water with bag’

A FATHER and daughter who died in a surfing beach tragedy after he reportedly leapt in to try and save her have been named. Emergency services raced to Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, on Sunday, July 26, after the bodies of woman and a man were dragged out of the water. Locals said the currents were strong when the pair fell into the sea Credit: Glyn Thomas Emergency services were scrambled to Fistral Beach in Cornwall on Sunday evening Credit: Plymouth Plus The dad and daughter who both died at the scene have now been officially named as John Collins, 66, and Samantha Collins, 32. They pair were both from Doncaster in South Yorkshire and are understood to have been holidaying in the area. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! An inquest into their deaths will be opened tomorrow and a date for the full hearing will likely be set. According to locals, the currents were very strong the night the dad and daughter fell into the water – with part of the beach understood to have been closed by lifeguards. Beachgoers bravely attempted to rescue the dad and daughter Credit: Glyn Thomas The 750-metre long beach is known for its massive winter wave swells Credit: Plymouth Plus Cops said Samantha entered the water carrying a peach or orange coloured handbag which still has not been recovered. The leather-style bag is said to contain a number of personal items of “great sentimental value to her loved ones” as the force appeal for the it to be handed in if found. The force says the family would take great comfort being reunited with these belongings if possible. Sand Phoenix, who was sleeping on Fistral Beach when the tragedy unfolded, claimed he “sprinted” up to help after seeing the man go in after his daughter. Most read in The Sun The 33-year-old added: “He had been pulled out of the water but had been in there about seven minutes. “I had an adrenaline pen which I jabbed him with and tried to give him oxygen but his lungs were full of water and there was no response. “The paramedics arrived and carried on trying to give CPR. He was still wearing his trousers so I don’t think he had been swimming. “It looks like they had been walking near the rocks and had fallen in.” A beachgoer told The Sun he heard shouts for help and dashed down the cliff and onto the beach where he saw the woman lying face down in the water. Another eyewitness told The Sun she saw the horror unfold, saying: “A man came running up the cliff saying there were people drowning in the water. “I went halfway down the cliff and saw people at the edge of the water trying to help people out. “A woman was desperately trying to ring someone but couldn’t get through and was in tears. “There was a helicopter overhead and there was a lifeboat in the water. “They recovered one body on the beach, while the other one was brought up the cliff. “Another man came up soaking wet and in a foil blanket. He knew them and had been trying to help. I’m just in shock, it was awful to watch.” The 750-metre-long Fistral beach is known as the “home of British surfing” and is known for massive winter wave swells. Cops said in a statement: “Police were called by the South Western Ambulance Service at around 9.45pm on Sunday 26 July following reports that two people had been recovered from the water at Fistral Beach, Newquay. “Emergency services attended and a cordon was put in place, which has since been removed. “Sadly, a woman in her 30s and a man in his 60s were pronounced deceased at the scene. “Their families have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.