Home / Shark Attacks / 1961 Shark Attacks in 1961 In 1961, the Global Shark Attack File logged 78 shark attacks worldwide — 185.9% above the historical annual average. 13 were fatal (16.7%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 24.
Fatality rate
16.7%
Global avg 21.2%
vs. annual avg
186% above
Hist. avg 27.3/yr
Countries with the most incidents in 1961 Species most often involved in 1961 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 Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa Non-fatal
1961-12-27 · Treading water · Zambesi shark
Lambert’s Beach, Mackay, Australia Non-fatal
1961-12-27 · Standing · 3 m [10'] shark
Lambert's Beach, Mackay, Australia Fatal
1961-12-27 · Standing · 3 m [10'] shark
North of main swimming area in Waterman's Bay Beach, Perth, Australia Non-fatal
1961-12-26 · Spearfishing · Grey nurse shark, 2.4 m [8']
Cowell, Australia Non-fatal
1961-12-18 · Fishing, hauling in a 5-lb snapper · 2.7 m [9'] shark
Noosa Heads, Australia Fatal
1961-12-17 · Surfing, pushing board ashore · Next morning a 3 m [10'] shark was caught that had Andrews' leg in its gut
Praia Sepulveda, Mozambique Non-fatal
1961-12-17 · Bathing
Horn Island, near Thursday Island, Australia Non-fatal
1961-12-12 · Swimming with other crew near wharf · 1.8 m [6'] shark
Northwest of Acapulco, Mexico Non-fatal
1961-11-13 · Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed
Manila Bay, Philippines Non-fatal
1961-10-16 · Gathering shells
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.
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