Shirley Ann Durdin, 33, was snorkeling for scallops off Peake Bay, South Australia when she was dragged under by a massive great white shark in one of the most brutal attacks ever recorded
09:49 ET, 13 Jan 2026Updated 09:14 ET, 14 Jan 2026
(Image: Getty Images)
In one of the most notorious shark attacks ever documented, a mother of four was tragically killed by a colossal great white shark in front of her children over four decades ago. Shirley Ann Durdin, just 33 years old, was delightfully snorkeling for scallops when she was pulled under the water by the monstrous creature on March 3, 1985, off the coast of Peake Bay, South Australia.
The terrifying event unfolded swiftly, with a burst of bubbles and blood indicating the spot where the mom was savagely severed in half by a single potent bite. All that was left of her was a headless torso, which was then devoured by the 20-foot shark before it disappeared into the ocean’s depths. The chilling spectacle was observed by her children from the shore, a mere 150 yards away.
Her heartbroken husband, Barry, had to be held back by onlookers to stop him from plunging into the water after her. What distinguishes this case is that it’s one of the rare instances where a great white shark has not only killed but also consumed a human, reports the Irish Mirror. It comes after the chilling final words of a grandma ripped apart by a shark were revealed.
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The incident left the local community too petrified to return to the water, with some even advocating for a shark cull. However, experts warned that culling sharks wouldn’t necessarily make the area safer and could potentially damage the ecosystem, according to the Mirror.
Shirley Ann Durdin, just 33 years old, was delightfully snorkeling for scallops(Image: Supplied)
In the aftermath of the attack, authorities combed the area for Shirley’s remains but only found a single swim fin. The family had recently moved to the coast from the rural town of Karkoo, about an hour’s drive inland, due to her husband Barry’s severe allergies to farm life.
This chilling tale has resurfaced on social media recently, with several YouTube videos recounting the tragedy. One viewer commented: “Absolutely horrific! That poor woman and her loved ones, especially her husband. I would be traumatized for life and probably have nightmares forever.”
Another chimed in: “Imagine witnessing this, let alone it being a family member or spouse! Poor husband to have to live with such a gruesome act. Prayers to him and family.”
She didn’t stand a chance said witnesses(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
While another person posted: “This is one that’s always stuck with me. Probably the most horrific attack I’ve ever heard about.”
Shirley’s incident was the first fatal shark attack in South Australian waters since 1974 when a great white claimed the life of 26 year old diver Terry Manuel.
He had been diving for sea snails off Cape Catastrophe, South Australia, and was ascending back to the surface.
Suddenly, a 15-foot great white shark rocketed upwards from beneath him with such immense force that he was thrust completely out of the water.
According to accounts of the attack, Terry surfaced some distance from the boat and yelled “shark!” His friend, John, saw the sea turn a ghastly red and rushed to his aid.
Efforts to pull Terry into the boat were hindered as the shark persistently seized and shook him. He frantically tried to free the diver’s legs from the shark’s powerful jaws, managing to do so eventually – but not before the beast had completely torn off one of Manuel’s legs.
Sadly, he passed away moments later due to extreme blood loss.