For anyone still haunted by Jaws, this real-life shark attack is pure nightmare fuel.
In April 2014, 63-year-old Christine Armstrong, an experienced swimmer from New South Wales, was killed by a 13-foot shark during a routine ocean swim from Tathra Wharf to Tathra Beach.
Christine, a longtime Tathra Surf Club member, told her group she wasn’t feeling well and turned back alone after 200 metres. Moments later, swimmers spotted a fin and circling birds — but assumed she’d made it safely to shore. She hadn’t.
The next day, her goggles, cap, and remains washed up. Authorities believe she was taken almost instantly by a large shark, likely a great white. “The shark was such a size… she wouldn’t have even known it happened,” said her husband, Rob, who was nearby in the water.
The Surf Club paid tribute to Christine as a dedicated and joyful member. A resurfaced video of the tragedy recently reignited public sorrow and fascination.
Though rare, fatal shark attacks like this remain a haunting reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability — and the courage of those who face it.