Tributes are pouring in from the community of East London (KuGompo City) following a fatal shark attack at Orient Beach on Tuesday morning, 20 October, which claimed the life of 65-year-old retired medical physicist Janine Lochrenberg.

Lochrenberg, also a musician who played the viola, was swimming with her group of open-sea swimmers when the shark attacked her. According to reports, Lochrenberg signalled that she was in distress, with fellow swimmers rushing to her aid.

On shore, they saw that Janine had suffered severe bites to her arm and thigh. Sadly, she bled out and died on the scene.

Following the incident, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality immediately closed both Orient Beach and the nearby Eastern Beach.

The shark attacked her despite her wearing a magnetic shark deterrent band.

East London Open Water Swimming expressed heartbreak after Janine’s death.

“Janine was a treasured member of East London’s open water swimming community, and her loss leaves an enormous hole in our ocean family. She was never one to seek the spotlight, preferring to quietly go about doing what she loved most — swimming in the ocean. But behind her gentle, unassuming nature was someone who contributed so much to our swimming community, always there, always willing, and very much a part of the heart of our group. The ocean was Janine’s happy place. It was where she found her joy, and where so many of us were fortunate enough to share special moments with her.”

Viva Musica Ensemble also paid tribute to Janine.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a dear friend and fellow musician. Janine was a member of the Viva Musica Ensemble since its very inception. As a highly gifted musician, her contribution on the viola brought great value to our ensemble. Though quiet and unassuming, she kept us on our toes and continually pushed us to reach the highest standards of music possible. Janine will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to Janine’s partner, family and friends.”

Journalist, fellow open-water swimmer, and Janine’s friend, Mike Loewe, who was also in the water on Tuesday, wrote an emotional account of what happened on that fateful day. You can read his article for the Daily Maverick HERE.

Lochrenberg leaves behind her partner, Barbara Briceland.