Popular tourist destinations have been recognized as the most dangerous in terms of the number of shark attacks. Find out more about which countries have recorded the highest number of unprovoked shark attacks on tourists
Sharks can strike fear into the hearts of even the most experienced surfers and divers. Since the release of the movie “Jaws” in 1975, many vacationers have been afraid of an unprovoked attack by this most terrible predator of the ocean.
Despite their reputation as a formidable monster, most sharks do not actually pose a danger to humans. There is little evidence that they ever actively hunted humans. According to scientists, sharks prefer to eat fish rather than humans. The US National Oceanic Service claims that only about a dozen of the 300 shark species have ever attacked humans.
Where are the most unprovoked shark attacks recorded? This information is based on data from the International Shark Attack Registry. Unprovoked attacks are classified as those where there were no provocations from the human side, such as attempts to touch a shark or feed it.
8. South Africa
There were two unprovoked shark attacks in South Africa in 2023, but fortunately none of them were fatal. Tiger, bull and great white sharks are responsible for the majority of attacks in South Africa.
7. Mexico
In 2023, there was one unprovoked shark attack in Mexico that ended fatally. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare here, this case has attracted public attention. Mexico remains a popular tourist destination, where great white sharks are sometimes found in coastal waters. Tourists and locals can usually enjoy a safe holiday, but this incident is a reminder of the need for caution and awareness while swimming or surfing.
6. The Bahamas
In 2023, there was one unprovoked shark attack in the Bahamas, which ended fatally. Although shark attacks are extremely rare in the Bahamas, bull sharks are found in the waters of the country.
5. Egypt
Egypt is one of the world’s leading diving destinations, and tiger sharks live in the waters of this North African country. In 2023, two unprovoked shark attacks occurred in Egypt, one of which was fatal.
4. Brazil
There were three unprovoked shark attacks in Brazil in 2023, but fortunately none of them were fatal. The country’s waters are home to three of the most dangerous sharks – tiger shark, bull shark and great white shark.
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3. New Caledonia
In the New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory, has seen an increase in shark attacks. In 2023, three unprovoked attacks were recorded here, one of which was fatal. Last year, the country even imposed a ban on swimming in the capital after a series of shark attacks.
2. Australia
Australia is most associated with sharks. In 2023, there were 15 unprovoked attacks here, of which four were fatal. Bull sharks, tiger sharks, oceanic white sharks and great white sharks are responsible for most of the attacks. The deadliest year was 2020, when six people died. For safety, it is recommended to avoid swimming or surfing at dusk and dawn, when sharks are more active. Anti-shark measures have been introduced on some beaches in Australia to protect swimsuits.
1.USA
In 2023, the United States recorded the largest number of shark attacks – 36 unprovoked incidents, of which two ended fatally. The state of Florida was the most affected, where 44% of all bites occurred. Recently, two separate attacks occurred in Florida, during which three swimmers were injured. Bathers are urged to be careful, because most attacks are carried out by bull or black sharks, which often live near sandbanks. This region remains under increased attention due to shark activity, so it is important to observe safety measures while swimming.
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