A young couple from Northern Ireland have been found dead on a beach in South Africa.
John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, died on Friday just six days after they walked down the aisle.
The couple was believed to have drowned. Friends of the young couple, from Holywood in Northern Ireland, said they were “shocked” at the “absolute tragedy”.
A local man discovered a male’s body washed up on Robberg Beach at Plettenberg Bay at 6pm on Friday.
While he reported it emergency services, two female walkers told him they had come across the body of a female about 200 metres along the beach.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), police and an ambulance arrived at the scene and carried out “extensive” CPR on the couple, but they were both declared dead.
“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 bodies have been handed into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.
British authorities are assisting with family abroad. The emergency services and those involved have expressed sincerest condolences.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed the deaths of two British nationals, adding: “We are providing assistance to both families at this extremely difficult time, and will remain in contact with local authorities.” Source: Belfast Telegraph
