Honeymoon couple survived the tsunami (From Warrington Guardian)

Honeymoon couple survived the tsunami

NEWLYWEDS Carl and Jenny Wagstaffe have told the Congleton Guardian about their lucky escape from the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

Mr and Mrs Wagstaffe, of Woodland Park, were celebrating their honeymoon in Negombo, Sri Lanka, when the 30 feet high waves destroyed their holiday complex.

The Congleton couple looked on in shock as the huge waves hit the island and ripped through the coastal resort causing devastation.

Mrs Wagstaffe, 33, said: "On the morning of the disaster, we were by the pool when the staff told us no-one should go into the sea.

"The tide went out a long way and suddenly came rushing back in.

"There were no birds at all, which the staff thought was strange, and then we heard there had been a tremor.

"The staff took us to the hotel's top floor, and that saved a lot of lives, although there were still lots of injuries and the complex was destroyed."

The couple were due to fly to the Maldives for the second week of their honeymoon on the day after the disaster, but the islands were completely swamped.

Mrs Wagstaffe, a teacher at Quinta Primary School, said they would be donating some of their wedding money to the appeal.

She said: "It was only after the disaster we realised the enormity of what happened.

"We feel very relieved and lucky to still be alive, but also quite guilty in a way.

"We have donated some of our money because we desperately wanted to help the Sri Lankans, who were lovely."