The families of a newly-wed couple who drowned while on honeymoon in South Africa have spoken of their devastation.
John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, died after getting caught in a rip tide at Plettenberg Bay - six days after they walked down the aisle.
In a joint statement their families, from County Down in Northern Ireland, 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 about 6pm on Friday.
His wife's body was found about 200 metres away along the same beach.
Doctors tried to resuscitate the couple but they were pronounced dead.
Their relatives have requested privacy to grieve.
Local MLA Gordon Dunne, who knows the family, said the close-knit County Down community was numb.
He said: "I am very shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of this young couple on their honeymoon in South Africa.
"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.
"My heart goes out to the grieving families and I trust and pray that the family may know God's help at this tragic time."
The couple tied the knot at the First Presbyterian Church, Holywood, last Saturday.
In messages posted on Facebook Mrs Rodgers told of her excitement ahead of her South African trip.
She changed her cover photo to a picture of her and four smiling bridesmaids and thanked loved ones for coming to her wedding.
She wrote: "John and myself would like to thank everyone that joined us on Saturday and for all the well wishes!
"We greatly appreciate it and had the best day ever. Heading off today so will speak to everyone when we return! Xx"
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has expressed his sympathies.
He said on Twitter: "Very sad to hear the tragic news of young Co Down couple who were drowned whilst on honeymoon in South Africa. My sympathy to their families."
Lynette was a physiotherapist from Holywood and John an office worker from Ballygowan.
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to both families.
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