Swimmer, 65, Dies in Shark Attack Off KuGompo City as Two Beaches Close

A woman died after a shark attack at Orient Beach in KuGompo City, South Africa, on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality responded by closing Orient Beach and nearby Eastern Beach until further notice and telling the public to stay out of the water.

The Independent and SuaraGarut.ID, citing local outlets, reported that the victim was 65. Her name has not been released.

What is known about the attack

According to SuaraGarut.ID, which cited SA People, the attack happened at about 8:07 a.m. The report said the woman suffered serious injuries to her right arm and leg. Emergency help was given at the scene, but she died of her injuries.

Briefly News and SuaraGarut.ID, both citing NovaNews, reported that lifeguards brought her ashore. NovaNews, citing a social media post by ZigZag Magazine, described her as an elderly woman swimming with an open-water group. SuaraGarut.ID, citing Algoa FM News and SA People, said she was swimming with other beachgoers.

The Independent described its account as based on early reports. No details have been given about the shark involved or the exact circumstances of the attack.

What officials have said and done

The municipality confirmed on social media that a shark attack had taken place at Orient Beach and had resulted in a death. The Independent quoted its Facebook post, which called the event a “serious incident” and said the relevant authorities were at the scene.

The post urged beachgoers to use extreme caution and to stay out of the water at the affected beaches. It also said warnings were being issued at other beaches. People were asked to stay alert, follow safety advisories and obey instructions from the authorities.

SuaraGarut.ID reported that South African Police Service officers opened an inquest docket to look into the death. Citing Algoa FM News, it said the woman's body was taken to the State Forensic Pathology Services. The Independent also reported the transfer. Authorities are withholding her name until her relatives have been informed.

Where the beaches are

Orient Beach and Eastern Beach are in KuGompo City, in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. According to SuaraGarut.ID, the city was formerly known as East London.

Why it matters for beachgoers and swimmers

For anyone who uses the coast in and around KuGompo City, the immediate effect is practical. Two beaches are closed with no reopening date, and the municipality has asked people not to enter the water there. Visitors to other beaches in the municipality have been told to stay vigilant and follow official instructions.

The case also involves a group swim. The reports describe the woman as taking part in an open-water session with others when she was attacked.

Earlier incidents on the South African coast

The Independent noted that this is not the first fatal shark incident off South Africa. It recalled a case in September 2022, when authorities were alerted to an incident shortly before 8 a.m. and launched a sea rescue. The body of a woman, believed to be 39 and from Cape Town, was found off the southern coastline.

The National Sea Rescue Institute said then that shark activity seemed higher than usual at local beaches compared with earlier years. It urged caution along the coast from Plettenberg Bay to the Southern Cape, according to the Independent.

What happens next

The municipality has said it will issue further updates as more information becomes available. Orient Beach and Eastern Beach remain closed until further notice. Police are investigating through the inquest docket, and the victim's name is expected to be released once her family has been told.

Sources: Briefly News, SuaraGarut.ID, The Independent