Off the coast of Tathra, New South Wales, a routine swim turned into unthinkable tragedy. Christine Armstrong, 63, a cherished member of the local surf club, set out on her familiar 600-meter route from Tathra Wharf to the beach.
Not feeling well, she turned back early. Minutes later, fellow swimmers noticed a shark’s fin and seabirds circling, but assumed Christine had already reached shore. She never did.
The next day, her goggles, swim cap, and partial remains were found. Authorities believe a great white, at least 13 feet long, struck instantly. “She wouldn’t have even known it happened,” said her grieving husband, Rob.
Friends and club members remembered Christine as a devoted swimmer whose joy for the ocean touched everyone around her.
