This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34627729
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 6 | Version 7 |
|---|---|
| NI honeymoon couple drowns in South Africa | NI honeymoon couple drowns in South Africa |
| (about 14 hours later) | |
| A couple in their 20s from Northern Ireland has drowned while on honeymoon in South Africa. | A couple in their 20s from Northern Ireland has drowned while on honeymoon in South Africa. |
| John and Lynette Rodgers, from Holywood in County Down, were found on a beach at Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape on Friday. | John and Lynette Rodgers, from Holywood in County Down, were found on a beach at Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape on Friday. |
| Efforts were made to resuscitate them, but they were declared dead at the scene. | Efforts were made to resuscitate them, but they were declared dead at the scene. |
| Rescue workers said sea conditions were rough at the time, with strong rip-currents in the water. | Rescue workers said sea conditions were rough at the time, with strong rip-currents in the water. |
| It is believed they had gone for a swim shortly after arriving at the popular tourist resort. | It is believed they had gone for a swim shortly after arriving at the popular tourist resort. |
| A local man raised the alarm at about 18:00 local time after discovering the body of Mr Rodgers, 28, in shallow surf on Robberg Beach, the National Sea Rescue Institute said. | A local man raised the alarm at about 18:00 local time after discovering the body of Mr Rodgers, 28, in shallow surf on Robberg Beach, the National Sea Rescue Institute said. |
| Two women walking along the beach found the body of Mrs Rodgers, 26, about 200 metres away. | Two women walking along the beach found the body of Mrs Rodgers, 26, about 200 metres away. |
| In a statement on Sunday morning, the families of the couple 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 UK Foreign Office said it was providing assistance to both families "at this extremely difficult time, and will remain in contact with local authorities". | The UK Foreign Office said it was providing assistance to both families "at this extremely difficult time, and will remain in contact with local authorities". |