Swimmer, 65, killed in shark attack off South Africa’s east coast

A 65-year-old woman, Janine Lochrenberg, tragically lost her life in a shark attack off the east coast of South Africa on Tuesday morning. Lochrenberg, a dedicated swimmer, was participating in her daily routine when she was attacked at around 08:00 (06:00 GMT). Witnesses reported that she was bitten in two separate locations and succumbed before being brought to shore.

Lochrenberg was part of a local open water swimming club and was out swimming with fellow club members when the incident occurred. She was wearing a magnetic shark-repellent band on her ankle at the time of the attack. According to the International Shark Attack File, shark incidents in South Africa are exceedingly rare, with only about 10 fatal attacks recorded since 2012.

Lochrenberg's sister, Margot, described her as someone who had a profound love for the water despite being aware of the elevated shark presence in East London. She expressed that her sister had made peace with this reality and was a remarkable individual. Lochrenberg's partner, Barbara Briceland, remembered her as a skilled swimmer who often ventured far out into the waves, and was known for her intelligence, kindness, and quiet demeanor.

The pair was preparing for retirement and embarking on a three-week road trip together. In response to the attack, Orient Beach, along with another nearby beach, has been closed by authorities.