A Northern Irish couple have drowned on their honeymoon, leaving two families in mourning just days after a joyous wedding.

John and Lynette Rodgers were found in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa on Friday and were not able to be revived.

Local authorities say their bodies were discovered on the same beach around 200m from one another.

The couple, who were 28 and 26, respectively, were married just six days earlier at a ceremony with family and friends.

Their families have expressed their devastation over the loss in a joint statement.

“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,” the statement read.

“Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy.”

John and Lynette Rogers. Image via Facebook.

They also asked that their privacy be respected while they grieve.

Heartbreakingly, Lynette had expressed her excitement about the holiday in a Facebook post prior to the newlyweds departure.

“John and myself would like to thank to everyone that joined us on Saturday and for all the well wishes,” she wrote.

“We greatly appreciate it and had the best day ever. Heading off today so will speak to everyone when we return!”

Our thoughts are with their families at this time.