A 65-year-old swimmer in South Africa has died following a shark attack, despite wearing a magnetic shark repellent band around her ankle.
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Janine Lochrenberg was swimming with her local open-water club at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday when a shark attacked her off Orient Beach in KuGumo City.
Witnesses reported that the shark bit Lochrenberg on her thigh and upper arm, causing severe blood loss.
The retired medical physicist's death marks South Africa's first recorded fatal shark attack of the year.
Shark Attack Victim Died From Severe Blood Loss
Following the attack, fellow swimmers desperately tried to bring Lochrenberg back to shore, although reports suggest she may have died before they reached the beach.
Her sister, Margot, recalled holding Lochrenberg's head as the group worked to get her out of the water.
Margot believes her sister died from blood loss before rescuers could bring her to safety.
She explained that Lochrenberg knew about the increased shark activity in the area but "loved the water so much".
"She'd made peace with that. She had a deep affinity with the water and was a remarkable person," Margot told the BBC.
Despite the risks, Lochrenberg continued pursuing her passion for open-water swimming.
She had also taken precautions, including wearing a magnetic shark repellent band around her ankle when the attack occurred. However, the device did not prevent the fatal encounter.
Family Pays Tribute to Experienced Open-Water Swimmer
Lochrenberg's partner, Barbara Briceland, described her as a strong and experienced swimmer who regularly ventured far out into the water.
"She was highly intelligent, lots of fun, kind, in a quietish way, thoughtful, well-loved with a love of life," Briceland said.
Briceland also revealed that the couple had been looking forward to enjoying their retirement together.
They were preparing to embark on a three-week road trip, making the sudden loss particularly heartbreaking for those closest to Lochrenberg.
Following the fatal attack, local authorities closed Orient Beach and another nearby beach as a precaution.
Shark attacks remain relatively rare in South Africa, with reports indicating that the country has recorded approximately 10 fatal incidents since 2012.
