The husband of a woman who was eaten whole by a shark without anyone noticing has told of the one hope he had for his wife following her tragic death.
Rob Armstrong's life was turned upside down 3 April, 2014, when his wife Christine's life was sadly cut short after she crossed paths with one of the deadly predators while she was out for her regular morning swim.
The couple, who were 'teenage sweethearts', were travelling their usual route along Australia's New South Wales coast with four friends and explained it was a 'completely clear' day with 'fine conditions'.
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The swimmers were heading from Tathra Wharf to Tathra Beach, which is situated more than 200 miles (320km) south of Sydney, when a fearsome creature suddenly crept up on them in the water.
But the only sign that a shark could be nearby was that birds began to gather, ducking and diving above the surface.
Thankfully, one of the group spotted its fin sinisterly approaching them and raised the alarm, seeing everyone rush back to the safety of dry land - except for Christine.
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Rob and her friends thought that she had reached the shore already, as the experienced swimmer had complained that she was struggling with spinal pain and had decided to turn back early.
So they emerged from the water after their daily ritual expecting to see her waiting for them, however, Christine had never made it out of the ocean.
It turned out that the 63-year-old, who had more than 14 years of experience swimming in the area, had ran right into the 13ft shark which was stalking the area.
Her goggles, swimming cap and human remains washed up on the shore the following day, confirming the worst fears of Christine's loved ones.
Search crews were sent out into the water to try and find her body, although her husband of 44 years Rob eventually accepted that she had been 'consumed completely' by the underwater predator.
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The heartbroken widower was informed that the huge shark had attacked his beloved wife when she became separated from the group - meaning that her swimming pals didn't hear any screams and cries for help.
But it seems that Christine wouldn't have even had a moment to alert anyone to her peril, as the mammal had snapped it's jaws at her, killing her instantly.
Rob explained he had managed to take some solace in the fact that his partner had suffered a quick death, saying that he was certain his wife 'would not have known what had hit her'.
Speaking to reporters in 2014, he added: "The shark was such a size and it's consumed her basically completely - she wouldn't have even known it happened."
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Rob said the late 63-year-old was a strong swimmer who was well aware of the risks that come with stepping into the sea, while insisting that she would not have blamed sharks for the incident.
Incredibly, he found the courage to take a dip in the area his wife had loved to swim in, which sadly became her final resting place, just days after she passed away.
Rob told ABC News at the time: "I know that if I don't face this now it will be worse later. So I need to face it now, and that's why I'm exposing myself as much as I am. It will make it better later, and I know that.
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"We lost a daughter...when we were quite young. I have to say, those things can kill a marriage or bind you together, and it bound us together, inseparably.
"We didn't face it as well as we should have, because everyone told us to get on with our lives and not mourn. I know now how bad that was, and I know how important it is now to face this and to get rid of the grief.
"I know it will never go away, but it'll just get shorter."
Rob said he had 'never been apart' from his late wife until that fateful day a decade ago.
Christine's family said at the time of her passing: "She will be sadly missed by all who loved her, especially by Rob, her husband of 44 years.
"She has been swimming at Tathra Beach for 14 years and was an experienced and committed member of the surf club."
Topics: Australia, Sex and Relationships, Shark Attacks, Sharks, World News, Health
Olivia Burke