Home / Shark Attacks / 1989 Shark Attacks in 1989 In 1989, the Global Shark Attack File logged 53 shark attacks worldwide — 94.3% above the historical annual average. 6 were fatal (11.3%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 25.
Fatality rate
11.3%
Global avg 21.2%
vs. annual avg
94% above
Hist. avg 27.3/yr
Countries with the most incidents in 1989 Species most often involved in 1989 Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.
Notable incidents in 1989 90 miles east of Hilo, Hawai'i, United States Non-fatal
1989-12-18 · On board 51' fishing vessel One Ki
Gove Peninsula near Darwin, Australia Non-fatal
1989-12-02 · Tiger shark, 2m
Fraser Island, Australia Non-fatal
1989-12-01 · Swimming · Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed
Kilcunda, Australia Non-fatal
1989-11-21 · Surfing · White shark
Melkbosstrand, South Africa Fatal
1989-11-17 · Free diving & spearfishing · White shark
Ehukai Beach Park, Sunset Beach, O'ahu, United States Non-fatal
1989-11-11 · Wading, knocked down & swept away by large waves · Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed
Mermaid Waters, Australia Non-fatal
1989-11-01 · Swimming in canal · 2 m shark, possibly a bronze whaler
Edith Falls, Australia Non-fatal
1989-10-28 · Swimming
Shelly Point, Australia Non-fatal
1989-10-21 · Surfing · 2.7 m [9'] white shark
Kahe Point, O'ahu, United States Non-fatal
1989-10-13 · Scuba diving · Shark involvement suspected but not confirmed
Frequently Asked Questions How many shark attacks were there in 1989? ▾ The Global Shark Attack File records 53 shark attacks worldwide in 1989, with 6 fatalities.
What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1989? ▾ 11.3% of shark attacks recorded in 1989 were fatal.
Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1989? ▾ The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1989 were United States (25), Australia (13), South Africa (9).
Which shark species were most often involved in 1989 attacks? ▾ Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1989 were White Shark, Tiger Shark, Bronze Whaler.
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