South Africa shark attack victim named as 'treasured' swimmer and 'dear friend'

South Africa shark attack victim named as 'treasured' swimmer and 'dear friend' Janine Lochrenberg, 65, was swimming with a group off Orient Beach in KuGompo City, off the coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape province, when she was attacked by a shark The woman who died after being attacked by a shark off the coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape province has been named and pictured. Janine Lochrenberg, 65, was swimming with a group off Orient Beach in KuGompo City when she signalled that she was in trouble shortly after 8am local time (7am BST) on Tuesday. She was then pronounced dead on the beach. Tributes have now been paid to the woman, who has been described as a "dear friend" and treasured member of the South African East London Open Water Swimming group. In a heartfelt message yesterday, the group said: "It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of our fellow open water swimmer and dear friend, Janine Lochrenberg, who lost her life in a fatal shark attack this morning. "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." The group added that they will remember Ms Lochrenberg's "beautiful smile, gentle kindness and quiet but meaningful presence". "Our hearts go out to Janine’s family, and especially to her beloved partner, Barbara, during this unimaginable time. There are simply no words," they added. The message concluded: "Rest peacefully, Janine. You will be so very missed, and you will always be part of our ocean family." The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality warned beachgoers yesterday not to enter the water at the affected beaches and to exercise extreme caution. The authority said there had been a shark attack that resulted in a "tragic incident" and added that Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach had been closed until further notice. Another tribute for Ms Lochrenberg came from the Viva Musica Ensemble, where the 65-year-old had been a member "since its inception". They said: "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."