The devastated families of a British couple who drowned on their honeymoon have told of their shock at the tragedy.
John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, died on Friday after getting caught in a rip tide at Plettenberg Bay, South Africa - just six days after they walked down the aisle.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the families said: "It has come as a great shock to both the Reilly and Rodgers families to learn of the sudden and tragic events in South Africa, which has taken the lives of Lynette and John.
"Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy."
The body of Mr Rodgers was discovered in shallow surf on Robberg Beach by a local man at around 6pm on Friday. His wife's body was found around 200 metres away along the same beach.
The couple were from County Down in Northern Ireland. North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, who knows the family, said the close-knit community would rally round the families.
He said: "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."
Lynette, a physiotherapist from Holywood Co Down, and John, an office worker from Ballygowan, also in Co Down, tied the knot in front of family and friends at the First Presbyterian Church, Holywood, last Saturday.
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to both families.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
