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Woman died after being eaten whole by 13ft shark without anyone noticing
Home>News>World News
Published 15:17 13 Sep 2024 GMT+1

Woman died after being eaten whole by 13ft shark without anyone noticing

Christine Armstrong was out with her swimming group when she was attacked

Stefania Sarrubba

Stefania Sarrubba

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Featured Image Credit: Channel 7

Topics: Shark, Australia

Stefania Sarrubba
Stefania Sarrubba

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If you've been traumatised by that masterpiece that is Jaws, this shark story is guaranteed to send chills down your spine.

While shark attacks in countries like Australia and South Africa are becoming increasingly more common, hearing the news of them never gets any easier - especially when they result in death.

Well, this is sadly the case for an Australian woman, who was believed to have been eaten whole by a 13-foot shark without anyone noticing as she was out for swim.

The terrifying story dates back to 2014. On April 3 of that year, Christine Armstrong was out on a routine swim with her swimming group, going from Tathra Wharf to Tathra Beach in New South Wales, Australia.

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Christine Armstrong died without her swimming group even realising (Channel 7)
Christine Armstrong died without her swimming group even realising (Channel 7)

Described as an 'experienced' swimmer, 63-year-old Christine was suddenly snatched by the predator without even having time to let a scream out.

Her husband Rob, who was swimming with Christine and the rest of the group, told local media that the swim was supposed to be a 600m journey, but his wife had told the others she hadn't been feeling well, so she had decided to return to the shore alone at the 200m mark.

As the swimmers were at sea, one of the them spotted a fin approaching them. Meanwhile, birds began to gather, ducking and diving above the surface, signalling a shark could be close.

Great white sharks are native to Australian waters (Getty Stock Image)
Great white sharks are native to Australian waters (Getty Stock Image)

The group made a swift return to dry land, assuming that Christine had reached safety before them. But the woman had clearly swam right into the shark and met a horrific fate.

The next day, Christine's goggles, swimming cap and remains washed up on the shore, confirming the terrible news.

Her body was never found.

While it's not known what kind of shark attacked her, it is known that great white sharks are native to Australian waters.

"The shark was such a size and it's consumed her basically completely - she wouldn't have even known it happened," Rob told reporters at the time.

Rob and Christine Armstrong had been swimming with the Tathra Surf Club  for 14 years (ABC News)
Rob and Christine Armstrong had been swimming with the Tathra Surf Club for 14 years (ABC News)

The Armstrongs had been swimming with the Tathra Surf Club for 14 years and the fatal day should have been a normal daily swim.

The swimming club paid tribute to Christine after her death, calling her an 'experienced and committed member'.

"She was a senior surf club trainer for many years. Swimming brought her much joy and many friends," it said.

Christine's tragic story was recapped in a YouTube video that has been making the rounds online, as commentators are sharing their views on the incident.

  • Twin of surfer who died after being mauled by shark speaks out with emotional detail
  • Why friends of surfer who had heroic final act before being mauled by shark are being urged to get back in the water
  • World's worst shark attack locations revealed and US hotspot tops list
  • Important rule that could save you from shark attack after ‘biggest great white shark ever’ recorded resurfaces in US tourist hotspot

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