Woman killed in shark attack off South African beach

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:15 · Archive

A 65-year-old woman died after being attacked by a shark at Orient Beach in South Africa's Eastern Cape on Tuesday morning.

A 65-year-old woman died after being attacked by a shark while swimming at Orient Beach in KuGompo City, previously known as East London, on South Africa's southeastern coast on Tuesday morning. Police were called to the scene at around 7:00 am local time, where they found the woman's body with open wounds.

Local media reported the woman was a regular swimmer and had been swimming with a group when the attack occurred. Other swimmers in the vicinity spotted a shark's tail and fin. The woman sustained severe injuries to the right side of her arm and leg. Her name will be released once her family has been informed.

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality closed Orient Beach and Eastern Beach until further notice. In a statement, the municipality said: 'It has been confirmed that a shark attack occurred at Orient Beach this morning, and this resulted in a tragic incident.' Beachgoers were urged to exercise extreme caution and refrain from entering the water at the affected beaches, with warnings also issued at other nearby beaches.

Fatal shark attacks are uncommon worldwide, though South Africa has a history of deadly encounters along its long coastline. According to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File, there were 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, up from 47 the previous year, with nine fatalities. There was one unprovoked attack in South Africa last year, which was fatal. In 2022, South Africa experienced two fatal shark attacks, including a 39-year-old woman.

How it is being reported

• Shark kills woman swimming off popular South African beachA woman died on Tuesday after being mauled by a shark while swimming off a popular beach on South Africa's southeastern coast, witnesses and authorities said.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 13:08
• Shark kills woman swimming off popular beach in South AfricaLocal media reported the woman was a regular swimmer and had been swimming with a group when the attack occurred.CBS News · 20 Oct, 12:59
• Swimmer killed in shark attack in South AfricaA swimmer has been killed in a shark attack in South Africa.Independent World · 20 Oct, 11:42

In this story: Orient Beach · KuGompo City · Eastern Cape · South Africa · Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality · University of Florida

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem