Shark Attacks in 1938

In 1938, the Global Shark Attack File logged 24 shark attacks worldwide — 11.4% below the historical annual average. 7 were fatal (29.2%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 9.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

29.2%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

11% below

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1938

Country	Recorded incidents
Australia	9
United States	4
South Africa	2
China	1
Turkey	1

Species most often involved in 1938

Species	Recorded incidents
Tiger shark	2
Thought to involve bull sharks	1
6' shark	1
Bull shark	1
Questionable incident	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 1938

1937 All years →1939

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1938?

The Global Shark Attack File records 24 shark attacks worldwide in 1938, with 7 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1938?

29.2% of shark attacks recorded in 1938 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1938?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1938 were Australia (9), United States (4), South Africa (2).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1938 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1938 were Tiger shark, Thought to involve bull sharks, 6' shark.