A 65-year-old open-water swimmer died after a shark attack off South Africa's Eastern Cape province on Tuesday, prompting authorities to shut two beaches and warn people against entering the water.
The victim was identified by South African media as Janine Lochrenberg, a retired nuclear radiographer and musician who was a member of the East London Open Water Swimmers Association, reported CBS News.
The attack occurred during a morning swim at Orient Beach in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London. According to local reports, Lochrenberg signalled that she was in distress, prompting fellow swimmers to rush to her aid.
Mike Louw, a fellow swimmer and journalist with the Daily Dispatch, told South African media that members of the group swam towards her after noticing she needed help. She was brought ashore with assistance from other swimmers, including her son, but suffered fatal injuries.
Local reports said she sustained severe injuries to her right arm and thigh.
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality confirmed the shark attack in a public notice and announced the closure of Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach until further notice.
It also urged beachgoers at other locations to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions.
Relevant authorities were at the scene following the incident. Police have opened an inquest, according to South African media reports.
The attack adds to a small number of fatal shark encounters reported worldwide each year. According to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File, there were 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, including nine fatalities, compared with 47 bites in 2024.
South Africa recorded one unprovoked shark attack in 2025, which was fatal. The United States reported 25 unprovoked attacks, including one death, while Australia recorded 21 attacks and five fatalities.
South Africa has also recorded fatal attacks in previous years. In 2022, two people died in shark attacks in the country, including a 39-year-old woman who was on holiday with her husband and young child.
Researchers say shark encounters can be influenced by several factors, including human activity in coastal waters, environmental changes and shifts in the distribution of sharks and their prey.