Christine Armstrong, was swimming with friends between Tathra Wharf and Tathra Beach about 8.20am this morning.
Police said she fell behind the group of swimmers, turned back and was alone when the attack occurred. Human remains were found at the scene shortly after the attack.
The group, all regular early morning swimmers, are believed to be in treatment for shock.
“Emergency services are doing what they can for them but naturally they’re shocked and horrified by what’s occurred,” a police spokesman told reporters, adding that it wasn’t clear what type or size of shark was involved.
According to locals, this is the first shark attack in the area.
Emergency services, including the Westpac rescue helicopter and local fishing vessels, are continuing a search for both the body and the shark in sea to the north and south of Tathra headland, say NSW police.
Mrs Armstrong’s family released a statement this afternoon, saying she was “loved by many people”.
“She has been swimming at Tathra Beach for 14 years and was an experienced and committed member of the surf club,” the statement said.
“She was a senior surf club trainer for many years and swimming brought her much joy and many friends. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her, especially by Rob, her husband of 44 years.”
Christine Armstrong. Picture: Supplied
Christine Armstrong. Picture: Supplied
Christine Armstrong. Picture: Supplied
Meanwhile, human remains believed to be that of a 38-year-old man who went missing on Saturday during an ocean dive off Perth have been found with possible shark bites.
The remains were found by WA Water Police divers near the dive site yesterday.
Police said that a preliminary investigation indicated that “the male may have received shark bites”.
However, they also said that the cause of death remained unclear and that the man’s friends had not seen a shark.
If the man was killed by a shark, he will become the first shark fatality in western Australian waters since a controversial shark cull began in January.
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