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.

Wasn’t 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 wasn’t 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 hadn’t.

“The shark was such a size”

The following day, Christine’s 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.

“The shark was such a size and it’s consumed her basically completely, she wouldn’t have even known it happened,” 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. “She was an experienced and committed member,” they said. “Swimming brought her much joy and many friends.”

Though the event took place more than a decade ago, Christine’s 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.
Christine’s story stands as a somber reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability and the strength of the human spirit that meets it every day.