For those who still shiver at the memory of *Jaws*, this real-life ocean tragedy is chilling beyond imagination. Off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, 63-year-old Christine Armstrong, a beloved member of the Tathra Surf Club, was taken by a massive shark during her routine morning swim — and no one realized it until it was too late. Christine had set out with her regular swim group from Tathra Wharf to Tathra Beach, a 600-meter route she had completed countless times.
That morning, however, she told friends she wasn’t feeling well and turned back early. Moments later, swimmers noticed a fin and seabirds circling above. Believing Christine had already returned safely to shore, the group continued — but she never arrived. The next day, only her goggles, swim cap, and partial remains were found on the beach. Authorities concluded that Christine was taken instantly by a shark estimated to be at least 13 feet long, most likely a great white. Her husband, Rob Armstrong, heartbroken, told reporters:
“The shark was such a size and it’s consumed her basically completely, she wouldn’t have even known it happened.” The Surf Club, where Christine and her husband had been members for 14 years, paid tribute to her, saying: “She was an experienced and committed member. Swimming brought her much joy and many friends.”