South Africa's great white sharks

The vanishing of the apex predators from the waters near Cape Town has devastated the local cage-diving industry and raised concerns about the health of the marine ecosystem.

Researchers have documented a pair of orcas, known as Port and Starboard, hunting great whites for their livers, but some experts argue this alone cannot explain the total absence of the sharks.

New studies suggest that overfishing and shifting ocean temperatures may also be playing a role.

The mystery remains a central focus for marine biologists working to protect the iconic species.