Janine Lochrenberg had “a deep affinity with the water” her sister told the BBC
A 65-year-old South African woman, Janine Lochrenberg, has died following a shark attack while swimming along the country’s eastern coastline, marking the first fatal incident of its kind recorded this year.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 08:00 local time on Tuesday at Orient Beach in KuGompo City, previously known as East London, where Lochrenberg was participating in her usual morning exercise with a local open-water swimming group.
Members of the club reportedly rescued her from the sea after the animal inflicted severe injuries to her thigh and upper arm. However, she is believed to have succumbed to excessive blood loss before reaching the shore.
Her sister, Margot, said she supported Lochrenberg’s head while fellow swimmers carried her towards land, adding that she suspected the victim had already lost too much blood while still in the ocean.
Despite being aware of the increased shark activity around East London, the deceased maintained a strong passion for swimming.
Her sister described her as someone who had accepted the risks associated with her favourite pastime.
Lochrenberg’s partner, Barbara Briceland, identified her as a retired medical physicist and experienced swimmer who frequently ventured into deeper waters.
She remembered her as courageous, intelligent, considerate and full of life.
The couple had reportedly been preparing for a three-week road journey as they looked forward to enjoying retirement together.
A fellow club member disclosed that Lochrenberg was wearing a magnetic shark-deterrent device around her ankle when the incident occurred.
According to the International Shark Attack File, maintained by the Florida Museum, fatal shark encounters in South Africa remain uncommon, with approximately 10 deaths documented since 2012.
Following the incident, authorities ordered the closure of Orient Beach and another nearby coastal location as a precautionary measure.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong