What was supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime turned into tragedy for two British newlyweds.
The honeymooners were enjoying their romantic break in South Africa when they found themselves caught in a riptide.
John and Lynette Rodgers were swimming at a beach near their hotel when they were horrifically drown in the freak incident.
The National Sea Rescue Initiative attempted to save them, but both John, 28, and Lynette, 26 were pronounced dead at the scene.
They had celebrated their wedding in Northern Ireland less than a week earlier.
A family friend revealed their shock in the wake of the tragedy.
They told The Mirror: “It’s such a sorrowful, terrible, devastating day. They were two beautiful people just starting out together and now they’ve gone.
“We’ve been told the authorities believe they got caught in a rip tide while they were swimming at Plett Bay.
"They were both healthy, both decent swimmers and both very physically fit but the tide was just too much for them.
They added: “Our dear Lynette and the love of her life John, died a day short of their first week of married life. In their wedding vows they promised to be by each other’s side in good times and in bad but they could never have imagined this.”
Lynette posted on Facebook just days before the tragedy: “John and I would like to thank to everyone who 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.”
Our thoughts go out to John and Lynette’s family at this sad and difficult time.