Home / Shark Attacks / 2018 Shark Attacks in 2018 In 2018, the Global Shark Attack File logged 124 shark attacks worldwide — 354.5% above the historical annual average. 6 were fatal (4.8%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 43.
Fatality rate
4.8%
Global avg 21.2%
vs. annual avg
354% above
Hist. avg 27.3/yr
Countries with the most incidents in 2018 Species most often involved in 2018 Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.
Notable incidents in 2018 Cambria, San Luis Obispo County, United States Non-fatal
2019-10-24 · Kayak fishing · White shark
Southeast of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico Fatal
2018-12-17 · Diving · Tiger shark
Australia Non-fatal
2018-12-14 · Wobbegong shark
Matauri Bay, New Zealand Non-fatal
2018-12-14 · Spearfishing · Mako shark, 7'
Nambucca, Australia Non-fatal
2018-12-08 · Surfing
Ti Point, New Zealand Non-fatal
2018-12-08 · Spearfishing · Bronze whaler 2.5m
South Steyne, Australia Non-fatal
2018-11-27 · Surfing · Wobbegong shark
Juno Beach, Palm Beach County, United States Non-fatal
2018-11-23 · Surfing
Off Nhulunbuy, Australia Non-fatal
2018-11-17 · Spearfishing · Reef shark x 2
7 Mile Beach, Gerroa, Australia Non-fatal
2018-11-16 · Surfing
Frequently Asked Questions How many shark attacks were there in 2018? ▾ The Global Shark Attack File records 124 shark attacks worldwide in 2018, with 6 fatalities.
What was the shark attack fatality rate in 2018? ▾ 4.8% of shark attacks recorded in 2018 were fatal.
Which countries had the most shark attacks in 2018? ▾ The countries with the most recorded incidents in 2018 were United States (43), Australia (39), Bahamas (8).
Which shark species were most often involved in 2018 attacks? ▾ Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 2018 were White Shark, Tiger Shark, Bull Shark.
Shark Data Lab