Restaurant owner killed by great white shark in front of husband and daughter

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By Phoebe Egoroff

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A restaurant owner in South Africa has tragically lost her life in a dramatic shark attack that was witnessed by her husband and young daughter.

As reported by The Independent, 39-year-old Cape Town native Kimon "Kiki" Bisogno was enjoying a day out with her 40-year-old husband, Diego Milesi, and her five-year-old daughter during a family vacation at Plettenberg Bay.

However, at around 8:00AM on Sunday morning (September 25), Bisogno entered the water before she was snatched by a shark.

CBS News, along with several other outlets, report that the creature has been identified as a great white shark.

One witness has been reported detailing how the sea "turned red" as a result fo the attack and that people on the beach started to scream as the terror unfolded.

The attack reportedly took place in sight of her husband and daughter, and immediately launched a sea rescue craft from a nearby beach. Bisogno's body was found several minutes later.

Bruce Noble, a former NSRI lifeboatman on the Plett Shark Action Committee, says the mom was attacked roughly 50 meters from the shore after drifting to a two-meter-deep channel of water, per The Independent.

The Mirror, adds that Bitou Municipality - which manages the beach - has shut down the Bay, erected warning signs, and has posted multiple lifeguards around the area to help warn tourists.

More on the attack below:

Bisogno's death is the second of its kind in the last three months, which Dr. Sara Andreotti of Stellenbosch University says is extremely rare.

Speaking to CBS News, Dr. Anderotti - an expert in great white sharks - says: "Globally, there are generally six shark fatalities a year, so two in one area is almost unheard of."

Bisogno was a restauranteur, yoga teacher, and activist for homeless people, often helping out at a local soup kitchen, according to reports.

Tributes have since poured in on social media for the beloved Cape Town native, with one friend writing on Facebook: "Your light shines so bright dear Kimon Bisogno. There are no words to describe the loss of your physical presence on this planet, you are deeply missed.

"I was talking to you this morning in my prayers and sending blessings, and then there was this beautiful rainbow right into our front garden! You bring rainbows wherever you are beautiful Kimonki! Paul and I stood arm in arm, watching your rainbow and reminiscing on all the laughter and good cheer you have brought us."

A second wrote: "You infectious laugh and bubbling enthusiasm were a gift to the world. I am so very grateful to have been a part of your life. Rest gently, my beautiful friend."

And a third added: "My dearest Kimon Bisogno I have been shocked and stunned since I heard the news of your passing, the world lost a beautiful shining light yesterday and no doubt you are our guiding angel now Kiki."

Our thoughts go out to Bisogno's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: John Van Decker / Alamy

Restaurant owner killed by great white shark in front of husband and daughter

vt-author-image

By Phoebe Egoroff

Article saved!Article saved!

A restaurant owner in South Africa has tragically lost her life in a dramatic shark attack that was witnessed by her husband and young daughter.

As reported by The Independent, 39-year-old Cape Town native Kimon "Kiki" Bisogno was enjoying a day out with her 40-year-old husband, Diego Milesi, and her five-year-old daughter during a family vacation at Plettenberg Bay.

However, at around 8:00AM on Sunday morning (September 25), Bisogno entered the water before she was snatched by a shark.

CBS News, along with several other outlets, report that the creature has been identified as a great white shark.

One witness has been reported detailing how the sea "turned red" as a result fo the attack and that people on the beach started to scream as the terror unfolded.

The attack reportedly took place in sight of her husband and daughter, and immediately launched a sea rescue craft from a nearby beach. Bisogno's body was found several minutes later.

Bruce Noble, a former NSRI lifeboatman on the Plett Shark Action Committee, says the mom was attacked roughly 50 meters from the shore after drifting to a two-meter-deep channel of water, per The Independent.

The Mirror, adds that Bitou Municipality - which manages the beach - has shut down the Bay, erected warning signs, and has posted multiple lifeguards around the area to help warn tourists.

More on the attack below:

Bisogno's death is the second of its kind in the last three months, which Dr. Sara Andreotti of Stellenbosch University says is extremely rare.

Speaking to CBS News, Dr. Anderotti - an expert in great white sharks - says: "Globally, there are generally six shark fatalities a year, so two in one area is almost unheard of."

Bisogno was a restauranteur, yoga teacher, and activist for homeless people, often helping out at a local soup kitchen, according to reports.

Tributes have since poured in on social media for the beloved Cape Town native, with one friend writing on Facebook: "Your light shines so bright dear Kimon Bisogno. There are no words to describe the loss of your physical presence on this planet, you are deeply missed.

"I was talking to you this morning in my prayers and sending blessings, and then there was this beautiful rainbow right into our front garden! You bring rainbows wherever you are beautiful Kimonki! Paul and I stood arm in arm, watching your rainbow and reminiscing on all the laughter and good cheer you have brought us."

A second wrote: "You infectious laugh and bubbling enthusiasm were a gift to the world. I am so very grateful to have been a part of your life. Rest gently, my beautiful friend."

And a third added: "My dearest Kimon Bisogno I have been shocked and stunned since I heard the news of your passing, the world lost a beautiful shining light yesterday and no doubt you are our guiding angel now Kiki."

Our thoughts go out to Bisogno's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: John Van Decker / Alamy