PERSONAL REFLECTION: ‘We are here, Janine’ — my account of fatal Orient Beach shark attack
Journalist and open-water swimmer Mike Loewe was in the water when his friend Janine Lochrenberg was fatally attacked by a shark at Orient Beach. He recounts the desperate attempt to save her, the heartbreaking realisation that a beloved friend had been lost and the powerful bond that will draw the open-water swimming community back to the ocean.
On a stunning Tuesday, journalist Mike Loewe, an avid open-water swimmer, was in the water alongside his friend, Janine Lochrenberg, when a fatal shark attack occurred at Orient Beach. Despite their numerous swims together over years, the attack left Loewe devastated and realizing the vulnerability of solo swimmers.
Janine, 65, often swam solo off Orient Beach, embracing the risks, believing that God was with her. While some swimmers felt a spiritual connection to the water, Loewe and his friend identified as atheists, swimming with the "third eye" and determination to conquer distances.
Loewe and Janine were supported by a group of swimmers, including a doctor, an academic, and Joy "Coach Roach," their informal swim leader. Upon spotting Janine, the group swam to her aid, and Loewe began a slow rescue, cradling her to keep her head above water. The group managed to get Janine to shore, where paramedics took over life-saving efforts.
Despite the best attempts, Janine was pronounced dead on arrival. Loewe, an atheist, felt that Janine had left him as they were taking her to shore, but the tragedy remains confirmed by science and authorities. Their friendship, forged through countless swims, transcended the loss, as swimmers continue to find joy in the waters of Orient Beach.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
