South Africa: 65-Year-Old Woman Dies in Shark Attack at Eastern Cape Beach

A 65-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a shark while swimming at Orient Beach in East London, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning while the woman was swimming with a group of people at the popular beach.

According to a witness who spoke to local media, the woman appeared to be experiencing difficulties in the water before those nearby realised she had been bitten by a shark.

She sustained severe injuries to her thigh and upper arm before being pulled from the water and brought ashore. Despite efforts to assist her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have opened an inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities have not yet identified the species of shark involved in the attack.

Following the incident, local authorities closed Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach until further notice. Residents and tourists have been urged to stay out of the water as a precaution while the situation is assessed.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about swimming safety along South Africa’s coastline, which is home to several shark species, including great white sharks. The country’s marine wildlife also attracts visitors interested in shark-watching and cage-diving activities.

Authorities have advised beachgoers to follow official safety warnings and avoid entering the water at the affected beaches until restrictions are lifted.