Young Irish couple drown just hours into honeymoon in South Africa 

John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, from Holywood in Northern Ireland, died after getting into trouble in rough seas in Plettenberg Bay, just six days after they walked down the aisle.

The body of Mr Rodgers was discovered in shallow surf on Robberg Beach by a local man at around 6pm on Friday, South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

His wife's body was found around 200 metres away along the same beach, the Institute said.

Doctors performed CPR on the couple but they were pronounced dead around 6pm yesterday.

John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, from Holywood in Northern Ireland, died after getting into trouble in rough seas in Plettenberg Bay, just six days after they walked down the aisle

Tourist resort: A young couple from Northern Ireland have apparently drowned on their honeymoon while swimming in the sea in rough conditions at Plettenberg Bay (file picture) in South Africa

Friends of the young couple said they were 'shocked' at the 'absolute tragedy'.

A photograph of the couple on Lynette's Facebook page shows her in her wedding dress and bouquet gazing adoringly into her husband's eyes.

North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, who knows the family, said: 'I am very shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of this young couple on their honeymoon in South Africa.

'This is an absolutely tragedy and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of both the young man and young lady who have sadly passed away. For a tragedy like this to happen days after their wedding during their honeymoon is beyond words.

'There is widespread shock and a real sense of numbness within the local community in Holywood at this time, particularly as the young lady was born in Holywood, attended the local schools in the area, and was from a very well respected family.

'My heart goes out to the grieving families and I trust and pray that the family may know God's help at this tragic time.'

The NSRI said: 'It is suspected that they drowned. Sea conditions were rough with strong rip-currents in the vicinity.

'Police have opened an inquest docket and although no foul play is suspected, the deaths are being investigated.'

The couple tied the knot in front of family and friends at the First Presbyterian Church, Holywood, last Saturday.

Location: The bodies of the 28-year-old man and 26-year-old woman - who have not yet been identified - were found washed up on Robberg Beach at around 6pm yesterday. Above, the location of the tragedy

Mrs Rodgers, a physiotherapist, posted a message on Facebook on Monday thanking her loved ones for coming to her wedding.

She wrote: 'John and myself would like to thank to everyone that joined us on Saturday and for all the well wishes!

'We greatly appreciate it and had the best day ever. Heading off today so will speak to everyone when we return! Xx'

She had changed her cover photo to a picture of her and her four smiling bridesmaids.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm the deaths of two British nationals in South Africa on Friday October 23.

'We are providing assistance to both families at this extremely difficult time.'