A 65-year-old woman was tragically killed in a shark attack at Orient Beach in KuGompo City (formerly East London) while open sea swimming on Tuesday morning.
The woman has been identified as Janine Lochrenberg, a recently retired nuclear radiographer and musician.
She was open water swimming along with several other swimmers when she was attacked.
Orient Beach and Eastern Beach were both closed until further notice following the attack.
Police called to the scene
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said police were called to the scene at Orient Beach at around 08:00.
Lochrenberg sustained severe injuries to her right arm and leg and unfortunately succumbed to her injuries on the beach.
An investigation had been opened.
“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,” municipal spokesman Luzuko Buku said in a statement on Tuesday.
Fellow swimmer Mike Loewe said that members of an open-water swimming group responded to the woman’s distress signal and brought her ashore. A medic in the group tried to save her, but she was declared dead at the scene, he confirmed.
“She liked to swim solo,” Loewe said.
“She was courageous.”
TRIBUTES POUR IN
South Africans were quick to pay tribute to Lochrenberg.
“A heartbreaking loss of life. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in the support of those around them.”
“Such tragic news from East London. A life lost in such devastating circumstances is a reminder of how precious life is. Heartfelt condolences to everyone affected.”
“Thinking of the victim’s family and friends as they face an unimaginable loss. May they be surrounded by love, compassion and support in the days ahead.”
“A devastating tragedy at the coast. Sending sincere condolences to the victim’s loved ones and to everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.”
“Today, our thoughts are with a family grieving a terrible loss. May they find the strength to get through the days ahead, and may the community rally around them with kindness and compassion.”
‘Heartbreaking loss’
East London Open Water Swimming paid tribute to the victim in a lengthy Facebook post.
“ A Heartbreaking Loss to Our Ocean Family . It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of our fellow open water swimmer and dear friend, Janine Lochrenberg, who lost her life in a fatal shark attack this morning. Janine was a treasured member of East London’s open water swimming community, and her loss leaves an enormous hole in our ocean family,” read the tribute.
“She was never one to seek the spotlight, preferring to quietly go about doing what she loved most – swimming in the ocean. But behind her gentle, unassuming nature was someone who contributed so much to our swimming community, always there, always willing, and very much a part of the heart of our group. The ocean was Janine’s happy place. It was where she found her joy, and where so many of us were fortunate enough to share special moments with her.
“We will remember her beautiful smile, her gentle kindness, and the quiet but meaningful presence she brought to our swimming family. Our hearts go out to Janine’s family, and especially to her beloved partner, Barbara, during this unimaginable time. There are simply no words. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, messages and support from the wider ocean community. Rest peacefully, Janine. You will be so very missed, and you will always be part of our ocean family. ,” read the tribute.
