For anyone still haunted by the legacy of Jaws, this real-life shark encounter is the stuff of nightmares.
In a tragic and chilling incident off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, an experienced swimmer is believed to have been killed and consumed by a 13-foot shark during a routine swim, all without anyone immediately noticing.
Wasnât feeling well
The incident occurred on April 3, 2014, when 63-year-old Christine Armstrong set out with her regular swim group from Tathra Wharf to Tathra Beach, a familiar 600-metre route.
Christine, a long-time member of the Tathra Surf Club, was known for her strength and dedication in the water. That day, however, she reportedly told the group she wasnât feeling well and decided to head back alone after covering about 200 metres, The Mirror reports.
Moments later, other swimmers spotted a fin in the water. Birds began circling and diving above the surface, a classic sign that a predator could be nearby. The group made a quick decision to return to shore, assuming Christine had safely beaten them back. She hadnât.
âThe shark was such a sizeâ
The following day, Christineâs goggles, swim cap, and some remains were found washed up on the beach. Her body was never recovered, and authorities believe she was taken and consumed almost instantly by a large shark, likely a great white, though the species was never definitively confirmed.
âThe shark was such a size and itâs consumed her basically completely, she wouldnât have even known it happened,â her husband, Rob Armstrong, who was swimming nearby at the time, told reporters.

The Tathra Surf Club, where Christine and Rob had been members for 14 years, paid tribute to her in the days following the tragedy. âShe was an experienced and committed member,â they said. âSwimming brought her much joy and many friends.â
Though the event took place more than a decade ago, Christineâs story continues to resonate online. A resurfaced YouTube video recounting the incident has reignited public fascination and sorrow, with commenters expressing both sympathy and horror.
Shark attacks in Australia remain rare but deeply traumatic, especially when they result in loss of life.
Christineâs story stands as a somber reminder of the oceanâs unpredictability and the strength of the human spirit that meets it every day.
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