First fatal shark attack in South Africa this year kills swimmer
Swimmer Janine Lochrenberg, 65, died after shark bite on her thigh and upper arm off KuGompo City. She was brought to shore but it's believed she died before being taken out of the water.
A 65-year-old South African woman died after a shark attack off KuGompo City on Tuesday morning. Janine Lochrenberg was swimming with her local open water club when she was attacked.
Janine Lochrenberg was bitten on her thigh and upper arm and it's believed she died before fellow swimmers could get her out of the water. Shark attacks are rare in South Africa, with about 10 fatal attacks recorded since 2012.
Lochrenberg had been wearing a magnetic shark repellent band but it did not prevent the attack. Orient Beach and a nearby beach have been closed to swimmers following the incident.
- Janine Lochrenberg, 65
- Victim
- KuGompo City (formerly East London)
- Location
- Tuesday morning around 08:00
- Time of attack
- About 10 in South Africa
- Fatal attacks since 2012
Why it mattersIt highlights that shark attacks remain unpredictable and serious, even when swimmers take precautions.
AustraliaNo direct Australian consequence yet, but the rare attack may prompt Australian beachgoers to review their own shark safety choices.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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