BREAKING NEWS: Father and Daughter De-a-d After Ter-rifying Moments at UK Beach — New Details Emerge
A DAD and daughter died in the sea at Britain’s top surfing spot after she entered the water carrying a handbag – with witnesses claiming the father was trying to rescue her.
Emergency services raced to Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, at 9.45pm after a woman in her 30s and a man in his 60s were pulled from the water.
Beachgoers bravely attempted to rescue a man and woman after they reportedly fell off a cliff and died in the sea at Britain’s top surfing spotCredit: Glyn Thomas
The scene last night as the pair were pulled from the waterCredit: Glyn Thomas
Cops confirmed this afternoon they were a father and daughter from Doncaster and their families have been informed.
A local beach artist who raced to help save them said the man, in his 60s, was still wearing his clothes when he was dragged from the sea.
Sand Phoenix, who was sleeping on Fistral Beach when the tragedy unfolded around 9.30pm on Sunday night, said he “sprinted” up to help.
Phoenix said that the man had “gone in to try and rescue his daughter”.
The 33-year-old told The Sun: “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.”
Locals said the sea currents were “very strong” last night and part of the beach was reportedly closed off by lifeguards.
Fistral Beach is known as the home of British surfingCredit: BPM
The 750-metre long beach is known for its massive winter wave swellsCredit: Plymouth Plus
Cops added that the woman had entered the water carrying a leather-style handbag, described as orange or peach in colour with a shoulder strap.
It is thought to contain a number of personal items of “great sentimental value to her loved ones” as they appeal for it to be handed in if found.
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “Police were called by the South Western Ambulance Service at around 9.45pm on 26 July after reports that two people had been recovered from the water.
“Coastguard rescue teams from Newquay, Padstow and St Agnes attended the scene, alongside Newquay RNLI lifeboats and a HM Coastguard helicopter.
“Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a woman in her 30s and a man in his 60s, who were both from Doncaster, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Their families have been informed, and thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“A cordon was put in place while emergency services carried out their work but has since been removed. A file will now be prepared for HM Coroner.”
A beachgoer told The Sun he heard shouts for help and dashed down the cliff at Fistral beach in Cornwall where he saw the woman lying face down in the water.
The brave eyewitness threw himself into the sea fully clothed to grab the woman who was being bashed against rocks in a strong swell.
The 750-metre-long beach is known as the “home of British surfing” and is known for massive winter wave swells.
Emergency services raced to Fistral Beach in Cornwall on Sunday eveningCredit: Plymouth Plus
Locals said the sea currents were ‘very strong’ last nightCredit: Plymouth Plus
It hosts several surf competitions throughout the year including Boardmasters, and is the birthplace of champion longboarder Ben Skinner.
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.”
A coastguard statement read: “HM Coastguard has been responding to an incident in the South Fistral area, Newquay, overnight.
“First informed at around 9.30pm (26 July), Coastguard Rescue Teams from Newquay, Padstow and St Agnes, lifeboats from Newquay RNLI and an HM Coastguard helicopter were sent to the scene, alongside other emergency services.”
It comes after a man died after getting into difficulty in the sea at another beach over the weekend.
Emergency services rushed to the coast at Wittering beach at around 2.30pm on Sunday.
The force pulled two men out from the sea and sadly pronounced one dead at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital.
In West Mersea, a mum and her teenage daughter died in the water last week.
A man is also fighting for life after three swimmers got into difficulty near the Clacton Pier in Essex on Saturday.
