Northern Irish couple 'found dead on South African beach'

A young couple believed to be from Northern Ireland have been found dead washed up on a beach in South Africa.

The man, 28, and woman, 26, are believed to have drowned after going for a swim, South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

The institute said they believe the tragedy struck shortly after the couple arrived in Plettenberg Bay on holiday.

A local man raised the alarm at about 6pm yesterday after discovering the man's body in shallow surf on Robberg Beach, the NSRI said.

Two women strolling along the beach found the woman's body around 200 metres away.

The NSRI said doctors performed CPR on the couple but they were pronounced dead.

The institute 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 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."

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

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