Shark Attacks in 2026

In 2026, the Global Shark Attack File logged 33 shark attacks worldwide — 21.7% above the historical annual average. 7 were fatal (21.2%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 18.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

21.2%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

22% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 2026

Country	Recorded incidents
Australia	18
United States	4
New Caledonia	3
Cayman Islands	2
Brazil	2

Species most often involved in 2026

Species	Recorded incidents
White Shark	6
Bull Shark	5
Tiger Shark	4
Bronze Whaler	1

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

Notable incidents in 2026

2025 All years →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 2026?

The Global Shark Attack File records 33 shark attacks worldwide in 2026, with 7 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 2026?

21.2% of shark attacks recorded in 2026 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 2026?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 2026 were Australia (18), United States (4), New Caledonia (3).

Which shark species were most often involved in 2026 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 2026 were White Shark, Bull Shark, Tiger Shark.