Home / Shark Attacks / 1972 Shark Attacks in 1972 In 1972, the Global Shark Attack File logged 36 shark attacks worldwide — 32.0% above the historical annual average. 8 were fatal (22.2%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 10.
Fatality rate
22.2%
Global avg 21.2%
vs. annual avg
32% above
Hist. avg 27.3/yr
Countries with the most incidents in 1972 Species most often involved in 1972 Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.
Notable incidents in 1972 Millers Point, South Africa Non-fatal
1972-12-30 · Treading water
Xai Xai, Mozambique Non-fatal
1972-12-25 · Swimming · 2 m to 3 m shark
Revolcadero Beach, Acapulco, Mexico Fatal
1972-12-24 · Body surfing
Hartenbos, South Africa Non-fatal
1972-12-23 · Swimming · White shark, > 3 m [10']
Currumbin Rock, Australia Non-fatal
1972-12-20
Marineland, Sydney, Australia Non-fatal
1972-12-07
Basse Vallée, Reunion Fatal
1972-11-30 · Spearfishing
Stevens Reef, 70 miles from Mackay, Australia Non-fatal
1972-10-20 · Spearfishing
Tabourie Beach, Australia Non-fatal
1972-10-20 · Surfing · Bronze whaler shark, 10'
St. Croix, Cane Bay, United States Fatal
1972-10-13 · Scuba diving · Oceanic whitetip shark x 2
Frequently Asked Questions How many shark attacks were there in 1972? ▾ The Global Shark Attack File records 36 shark attacks worldwide in 1972, with 8 fatalities.
What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1972? ▾ 22.2% of shark attacks recorded in 1972 were fatal.
Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1972? ▾ The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1972 were Australia (10), United States (9), Mozambique (5).
Which shark species were most often involved in 1972 attacks? ▾ Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1972 were White Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Bull Shark.
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