In a final tribute to the Irish couple who drowned while swimming in Plettenberg Bay recently, a wreath laying ceremony was held on Robberg Beach on Thursday.
The British Consulate and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism yesterday conducted a wreath laying ceremony on the beach where the couple - 28-year-old John Rodgers and his 26-year-old wife Lynette - drowned last Friday, October 23.
The couple, who lived in Belfast, Ireland, had just married six days earlier and had been in South Africa on honeymoon when tragedy struck.
Shortly after their arrival in the coastal holiday town, the couple went for a swim when it is believed that strong rip currents swept them out to sea. Their bodies were discovered in shallow surf at about 6pm by passersby.
The wreath laying ceremony at 11am on Thursday morning took place at the same time friends and family were paying their final respects during a memorial service in the couple's home town.
Honorary British Consul in the Eastern Cape Jackie Barclay, who conducted the local ceremony, said his thoughts were with the family as they dealt with this tragic loss.
Yolande Stander
Garden Route Media
