Honeymoon British couple drown off South African beach

A newly-wed couple from Northern Ireland have drowned off the coast of South Africa while on honeymoon.

John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, died on Friday after getting into trouble in rough seas in Plettenberg Bay.

South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said tragedy struck shortly after the couple arrived in the country.

The body of Mr Rodgers was discovered in shallow surf on Robberg Beach by a local man at around 6pm yesterday.

Two women strolling along the beach found his wife'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."