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Shark Attacks in 1984

In 1984, the Global Shark Attack File logged 41 shark attacks worldwide — 50.3% above the historical annual average. 5 were fatal (12.2%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 21.

Total recorded

41

Fatal

5

Fatality rate

12.2%

Global avg 21.2%

vs. annual avg

50% above

Hist. avg 27.3/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1984

CountryRecorded incidents
United States21
South Africa12
Australia3
Vanuatu1
Italy1

Species most often involved in 1984

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

Notable incidents in 1984

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1984?
The Global Shark Attack File records 41 shark attacks worldwide in 1984, with 5 fatalities.
What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1984?
12.2% of shark attacks recorded in 1984 were fatal.
Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1984?
The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1984 were United States (21), South Africa (12), Australia (3).
Which shark species were most often involved in 1984 attacks?
Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1984 were White Shark, Dusky Shark, Blacktip Shark.