Ex British MP’s grief at losing daughter and granddaughter in Sydney seaplane crash

A FORMER British Conservative MP today spoke of his devastation at losing his daughter and granddaughter in Sydney’s New Year’s Eve seaplane crash.

TWO of the victims of the New Year’s Eve seaplane crash were family members of a prominent British Conservative party politician.

Gerry Bowden, who served for nine years in Margaret Thatcher’s Tory government in the 1980s and into the early 1990s, this morning spoke of the family’s grief at the death of his daughter Emma Bowden, 42, and granddaughter Heather, 11.

The mother and daughter died in the crash alongside Emma’s fiancee, the Compass chief executive Richard Cousins and his two adult sons, William and Edward, as they left Cottage Point Inn after lunch to return to Sydney Harbour.

Richard Cousins and his fiancee Emma Bowden both died in the New Year's Eve plane crash. Picture: Supplied

Emma and her daughter Heather Bowden perished in the seaplane crash. Picture: Facebook

Mr Bowden, 82, released a statement to the British newspaper The Telegraph on behalf of himself and his other children Kate, Rebecca and Oliver.

“Gerry Bowden and all his family are devastated by the loss of dear Emma and dear Heather who spread happiness and joy among all they met throughout their lives,” the statement said.

“We deeply feel their loss but their memory will shine brightly forever. We were looking forward to the wedding in the summer.

“We were all utterly delighted Emma and Richard were so obviously in love and looking forward to a life together. As a family we would appreciate peace and privacy at this sad time.’’

Heather Bowden-Page was killed in the seaplane crash on New Year’s Eve.

Emma Bowden and her daughter Heather on Sydney Harbour. Picture: Ten Eyewitness News

Emma, the art editor of OK! Magazine, met Mr Cousins in a London pub about a year after his wife died of cancer.

The two families had been thrilled Mr Cousins and Ms Bowden were so happy together. They had sent out invitations just before Christmas for a planned June wedding.

It was also revealed that Ms Bowden had named her daughter Heather in honour of her mother, also called Heather who had died at the age of 44.

Meanwhile, Heather’s father Alex Page, separated from her mother several years ago, is said to be in a state of profound shock following the tragedy.

Heather and her mother Emma Bowden were holidaying with Emma’s new fiancee and his sons when tragedy struck.

Ms Bowden’s friends have taken to social media to pay tribute.

“Absolutely devastated having found out about the sad loss of Emma Bowden and her beautiful daughter Heather,” Natalie Posner wrote.

“I was luckily enough to have worked with Emma for 10 years at OK! Her smile lit up the room ... she was one of the kindest, warmest people I’ve ever met. Sending love and prayers to her family. Xoxox”

Another friend Kate Bignold posted a picture of the pair on Facebook, writing: “I’ll always love you.”

“Goodbye darling Emma Bowden, my friend since we were 5,” she wrote.

“Rest in peace. I’ll always love you and your gorgeous Heather.”

The attempted rescue effort carried out by Lachlan Hewitt, Kurt Bradbury and Will McGovern and Todd Sellars. Picture: Todd Sellars.

Heartbreaking images have since emerged showing desperate rescuers risking their own lives to save those trapped on board the sinking plane.

The group jumped into the water to try to save the family and the pilot.

Kurt Bratby and his three friends repeatedly dived 7ft underwater through fuel and debris in a bid to pull the group to safety.

However, despite being underwater for three minutes, the friends were unable to pull the aircraft door open and saw no signs of life inside the plane.