A 65-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a shark while swimming at a popular beach in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Orient Beach, where the woman was swimming alongside a group of people.
A witness told local media that the woman appeared to be experiencing difficulties in the water before other swimmers realised she had been bitten by a shark.
She sustained severe injuries to her thigh and upper arm and was brought ashore, where she was pronounced dead.
Police have launched an inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. The species of shark involved in the attack has not yet been identified.
Following the incident, local authorities ordered the closure of Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach until further notice.
Residents and tourists have also been warned to stay out of the water as a precautionary measure.
South Africa’s coastline is home to several shark species, including great white sharks, which attract visitors interested in shark-watching and cage-diving activities.
