SHARK ATTACK KILLS SWIMMER OFF SOUTH AFRICA’S EAST COAST

Janine Lochrenberg died after a shark attacked her during a morning swim off Orient Beach in KuGompo City, formerly East London, on Tuesday. Fellow members of her open water swimming club brought her towards shore after she signalled that she was in trouble. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality confirmed her death and said authorities had closed Orient Beach and another nearby beach. Its spokesman, Luzuko Buku, said: “The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal shark attack occurred at the Orient Beach this morning, resulting in the tragic loss of a swimmer.”

A fellow swimmer said the shark bit Lochrenberg on her thigh and upper arm. The swimmer said she had been wearing a magnetic shark repellent band on her ankle. Witnesses believed she died before reaching shore; a medic attempted to save her, and she was declared dead at the scene. Police officers were called at around 07:00, while fellow swimmers placed the attack at around 08:00. Lochrenberg’s sister Margot said she held her sister’s head as the group brought her in from the water.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa said police had opened an inquest into Lochrenberg’s death. Authorities have not identified the shark species. The Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File records about 10 fatal shark attacks in South Africa since 2012. Lochrenberg’s partner, Barbara Briceland, said the retired medical physicist swam regularly and that they had planned a three-week road trip together. Margot said her sister had “loved the water so much” and knew of what she called an elevated shark presence near East London.