PERSONAL REFLECTION: ‘We are here, Janine’ — my account of fatal Orient Beach shark attack

A 65-year-old woman died after a shark attacked her while she was swimming at Orient Beach in KuGompo, South Africa, on Tuesday morning. Police and municipal authorities confirmed the fatal incident, which led to the immediate closure of the beach and the nearby Eastern Beach. The victim, identified as Janine Lochrenberg, was swimming with a group of open-water enthusiasts when the attack occurred. Local officials stated that the beaches remain closed until further notice, urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water due to the danger posed by the predator. Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said officers were called to the scene at approximately 7:00 am. By the time emergency services arrived, they discovered the woman’s body already on the sand. An inquest has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, describing the event as a fatal shark attack. The municipality warned the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from entering the water at the affected sites. Authorities noted that safety warnings are also being issued at other coastal locations in the region. Witnesses provided conflicting accounts regarding the exact timing and sequence of the final moments. One witness speaking to the South African Broadcasting Corporation stated that the woman signaled distress shortly after 8:00 am. He recalled that the group realized she had been bitten and observed that the wounds were very severe. According to this account, there were only two distinct bites, located on her thigh and her upper arm. The witness said the woman was pulled back to shore, where medical personnel pronounced her dead on the beach. However, another participant in the swim offered a detailed personal narrative that differs slightly on the timeline and the nature of the rescue. This swimmer, who was in the water with Lochrenberg, stated that he was approximately 3.7 kilometers into his swim when he noticed commotion. He described seeing Lochrenberg lying flat on her back in the water. As he approached, he observed an enormous wound on her upper right thigh and a large gash on her right upper arm. He noted that she was still alive and making small sounds when he reached her. According to this second account, the swimmer and another woman named Joy positioned themselves to support Lochrenberg. They kept her head above water by holding the back of her neck, preventing it from falling back into the sea. The group then began a slow paddle toward the shore. During this effort, the swimmer repeatedly told Lochrenberg, "We are here, Janine." Other members of the group, including Barbara Briceland and Dr. Mandy Uys, raced back to shore to alert people on the beach. Three swimmers who had already exited the water were present on the vintage cement amphitheater seats and witnessed the situation. One of these observers, Bronwyn de Sousa, reportedly saw a large fin approaching a swimmer before the chaos unfolded. Lochrenberg, 65, was a regular participant in solo open-ocean swims off Orient Beach. Friends described her as someone who accepted the inherent risks of swimming alone in the wild. She and her partner, Briceland, lived in Nahoon. The group often used shark deterrent devices, such as electric pods or magnetic bands, though the specific device used during the fatal swim varied based on the planned distance. On the day of the incident, the weather was favorable, with a light south-westerly wind and clear blue seas. The water temperature was recorded at 15 degrees Celsius. Experts and local swimmers believe that great white sharks have migrated from the Western Cape to Chintsa Bay. This shift is attributed to the alleged decimation of the local shark population by a pair of orcas known as Port and Starboard. Consequently, the presence of apex predators in the area is considered higher than in previous years. Despite these risks, the community of open-water swimmers views the activity as a personal challenge. Some participants wear protective gear, while others rely on vigilance and group dynamics. Global statistics indicate a rising trend in shark incidents. Data from the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File shows that there were 65 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2025, an increase from 47 in 2024. Of these, twelve resulted in fatalities. South Africa accounted for one of these deaths, referring to the incident at Orient Beach. In Australia, five fatal attacks were recorded, along with 21 total unprovoked attacks. The data indicates that swimmers and waders comprised 46 percent of unprovoked bite victims, while surfers and board sport participants made up 32 percent. Snorkelers and free divers accounted for the remaining 15 percent. The species of shark responsible for killing Lochrenberg has not yet been officially identified by authorities. However, given the location and recent migration patterns, great white sharks are suspected. The closure of Orient Beach and Eastern Beach remains in effect. Municipal officials continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to heed all safety warnings. The investigation into the death is ongoing, with police gathering evidence and statements from witnesses. The community is mourning the loss of Lochrenberg, a respected member of the local swimming circle who was preparing for upcoming long-distance events. Her partner, Briceland, and other friends are processing the sudden end to a shared lifestyle defined by adventure and risk. The beaches stand empty, awaiting official clearance for reopening.