Lynette and John Rodgers 'destined to be together forever'

A newly-wed County Down couple who drowned on honeymoon in South Africa were "destined to be together forever", the groom's family have said.

Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out on the bodies of Lynette and John Rodgers, from Holywood. Their families hope their bodies will be returned home later this week.

The couple were found at Plettenberg Bay on Friday. It is thought they had gone for a swim shortly after arriving at the popular resort. In a statement released on Monday, Mr Rodgers' family said that six years ago he had met "the love of his life - his future bride".

The statement said Lynette had "always been considered a member of the family" and "as one of us". "They will always be remembered as one, a couple destined to be together forever."

'Devastated'

Rescue workers said sea conditions were rough at the time the couple was found, with strong rip-currents in the water. Efforts were made to resuscitate the couple, who