- Experienced open-water swimmer Janine Lochrenberg, 65, died after a shark attacked her at Orient Beach in East London on Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Fellow swimmers, including Deaf SA Olympian Mark Roach, rushed to bring Lochrenberg ashore while advanced life support medics attempted resuscitation on the beach
- Scientists assessed the injuries and concluded a great white shark larger than 3.5 metres was likely responsible for the fatal attack
The open-water swimming community in East London is grieving the death of Janine Lochrenberg, a 65-year-old experienced swimmer who was fatally attacked by a shark at Orient Beach in KuGompo City on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Lochrenberg was in the ocean when the attack occurred. Fellow swimmers in the water at the time scrambled to reach her after noticing a disturbance, but despite their efforts to bring her to safety, she died from her injuries.
Swimmers rally to bring Lochrenberg ashore
Journalist and open-water swimmer Mike Loewe, who was present during the attack, published a personal account of the ordeal in Daily Maverick on 21 October 2026.
According to his account, he and fellow swimmer Joy Roach supported Lochrenberg in the water while other group members returned to shore for assistance. Joy's son, Mark Roach, a Deaf South African Olympic swimmer, then helped carry her to the beach.
Advanced life support medic Jessica Broodryk attempted resuscitation on the sand. Those efforts were unsuccessful, and Lochrenberg was later declared dead. Loewe described the emotional weight of keeping his friend afloat while helping her reach shore.
Scientists point to great white shark
East London Museum principal scientist Kevin Cole, working alongside shark researchers Dr Geremy Cliff and Dr Matt Dicken, assessed Lochrenberg's injuries. Their findings pointed to a great white shark as the likely attacker. The researchers identified multiple bite wounds consistent with the species, and Dicken estimated the shark measured over 3.5 metres.
Two days before the attack, seven great white sharks had reportedly been spotted from the air in nearby Chintsa Bay. The assessment is based on available evidence rather than confirmation of the specific animal involved.
Following the incident, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality closed both Orient Beach and neighbouring Eastern Beach pending safety assessments.
Lochrenberg was a regular presence at Orient Beach and well known within the local open-water swimming community. Loewe noted that she had spent years swimming at various ocean and river venues with fellow enthusiasts, often venturing out alone.
The tragedy also casts a shadow over upcoming events. Loewe had planned to undertake the 12km Langebaan Express swim alongside Lochrenberg's life partner, Barbara Briceland. He said the community intends to return to the water when ready, while working to better understand shark behaviour and strengthen safety precautions during ocean swims.
Source: Briefly News