A father and daughter tragically died after getting into difficulty at sea in Newquay, Cornwall, on Sunday evening, as emergency services also responded to another fatal incident off the Sussex coast on the same day.
Police were called to Fistral Beach in Newquay at approximately 9.45pm following reports that two individuals had been recovered from the water. A man in his 60s and a woman in her 30s, both from Doncaster, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the family is now appealing for the return of a sentimental handbag the woman was carrying. It is described as leather-style with a shoulder strap, orange or peach in colour, and approximately 30cm by 30cm.
A spokesperson for the force stated: "A father and daughter have sadly died following an incident at Fistral Beach, Newquay, on Sunday evening. 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."
Anyone who finds the bag is asked to hand it in to Newquay Police Station or contact police quoting incident number 50260197209.
Separately, on Sunday afternoon, Sussex Police were called to a beach near Pound Road in West Wittering at about 2.30pm after two men encountered difficulties in the water.
Both men were pulled from the sea and received treatment from emergency services. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital. Police indicated the two men were not believed to have known each other.
The temperature in West Wittering reached highs of 26.5C in the afternoon. In Newquay, a maximum temperature of 20.2C was recorded by the Met Office.
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