Shark Attacks in 1961

In 1961, the Global Shark Attack File logged 78 shark attacks worldwide — 187.8% above the historical annual average. 13 were fatal (16.7%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 24.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

16.7%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

188% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1961

Country	Recorded incidents
Australia	24
United States	17
South Africa	10
Papua New Guinea	4
Mozambique	4

Species most often involved in 1961

Species	Recorded incidents
White Shark	9
Bull Shark	5
Spotted Wobbegong	4
Nurse Shark	3
Grey Reef Shark	1

Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.

Notable incidents in 1961

1960 All years →1962

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1961?

The Global Shark Attack File records 78 shark attacks worldwide in 1961, with 13 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1961?

16.7% of shark attacks recorded in 1961 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1961?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1961 were Australia (24), United States (17), South Africa (10).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1961 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1961 were White Shark, Bull Shark, Spotted Wobbegong.