Shark Attack Statistics

The tables below list the recorded unprovoked* shark attacks from around the world since records began in 1580. They have been aggregated and are held by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).

The ISAF, the longest running authority on shark attacks, has a long-term scientifically documented database containing information on all known shark attacks, and is the only globally-comprehensive, source of scientific shark attack information in the world.

The “Big Three”

Of the 33 species listed only 10 have resulted in a confirmed fatality. As you can see the “Big Three” (great white, tiger & bull shark) are the main culprits far outnumbering other species in both total shark attacks and fatalities. Whilst we can take this at face value it would be unwise to make any other assumptions as to the quality of the rest of the data. Making a correct identification of many shark species is difficult under any circumstances. Actually getting it right during an attack is even trickier. In some cases tooth fragments were left behind, or the shark responsible was caught. In many cases though there is a bias towards sharks that people are familiar with.

*Unprovoked shark attacks are those that are initiated by the shark, in the shark’s natural habitat and without any human provocation. They generally fall into 3 categories:

• Hit and run attack – the least serious and most common. Here the shark takes a quick bite and leaves. These appear to be the result of mistaken identity which the shark realises after it has bitten the victim.
• Sneak attack – here the victim is unaware of the shark until the moment of attack. Such attacks may result in more than one deep bite and are not believed to result from mistaken identity. These attacks or the most serious and often result in a fatality.
• Bump and bite attack – In this kind of attack the shark may circle and bump the victim before launching an attack. The results can be fatal and are not believed to be due to mistaken identity.