A BRIT newlywed has tragically drowned in Colombia – where he had reportedly travelled to get married.

James Michael Winkles, 30, sadly died during an early-hours dip in the sea off the Caribbean port city of Cartagena.

Newlywed Brit tragically drowns on dream holiday with wife and friends
Newlywed James Winkles, 30, drowned on holiday in ColombiaCredit: JamPress
 

Newlywed Brit tragically drowns on dream holiday with wife and friends
The Brit holidaymaker touched down in the country around a fortnight before the tragedyCredit: JamPress
 

Skyline of Cartagena with the Church of San Pedro Claver and Monastery and the modern building of Bocagrande in the background. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
He had been staying in Cartagena with a group of friends and his new wifeCredit: Getty
The holidaymaker, who came from the Isle of Wight, was visiting the coastal resort with a group of friends and his new wife after touching down on March 9.

They were reportedly staying at a luxury hotel in a popular tourist peninsula and residential neighbourhood called El Laguito.

James’ body was found washed up on a nearby beach on the morning of March 22 after an alarm had been raised at 7am.

An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Colombia.”

Sea conditions at the time he went into the water were described as rough.

A probe into the tragedy was ongoing today although the tourist’s death has been described as accidental.

His body has been taken to a city forensic medicine institute so a post-mortem can take place.

Respected newspaper El Universal was one of the multiple Colombian media outlets that named and pictured the tragic tourist.

It reported overnight: “James Michael Winkles, 30 years old, and originally from England, had been in Cartagena for 12 days exploring its culture, landscapes, people, and history.

“He arrived on Monday March 9 and stayed at a luxurious hotel in the El Laguito area, as confirmed by the authorities.

“This man was found lifeless, floating on a beach in that exclusive location. It happened around 7am yesterday, Sunday, March 22.

“Apparently, he went missing the night before.”

James, who worked for a family-run car dealership in Ryde, was the second person to drown off the coast of the resort this year.

On February 7, chef Samuel Peñates Cortina, 21, was swept away whilst swimming in the sea with his girlfriend.

His body washed up three days later on a beach on the island of Tierra Bomba.

In January, two Brit tourists cheated death after the sailing boat they were on was smashed by a cargo vessel near Cartagena and sunk.

Newlywed Brit tragically drowns on dream holiday with wife and friends
The 30-year-old reportedly worked for family-run car dealership in Ryde, Isle of WightCredit: JamPress
 

Hilton Hotel and residential buildings during sunset in El Laguito neighborhood
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia – January 18, 2023: Hilton Hotel and residential buildings during sunset in El Laguito neighborhoodCredit: Getty
Colombian naval officers rescued the holidaymakers and 18 others on board the boat after they managed to save themselves by jumping into emergency life rafts after the captain sounded a Mayday alert.

Their rescuers published video footage at the time showing them helping the stricken travellers to safety and taking them to dry land where they were checked over by doctors.

Miraculously all survived unharmed despite the near-tragedy.

The tourists were thought to have been nearing the end of a five-day, four-night tour from Panama to Colombia starting in the San Blas Islands, a stunning Caribbean archipelago off Panama’s coast.