Shark Attacks in 1939

In 1939, the Global Shark Attack File logged 25 shark attacks worldwide — 7.7% below the historical annual average. 9 were fatal (36.0%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 9.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

36.0%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

8% below

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1939

Country	Recorded incidents
Australia	9
United States	4
Papua New Guinea	3
Bahamas	2
Samoa	1

Species most often involved in 1939

Species	Recorded incidents
Tiger shark	4
7' shark	2
Questionable incident, said to involve a	1
2.6 m [8.5'] shark landed	1
Blue pointer	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 1939

1938 All years →1940

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1939?

The Global Shark Attack File records 25 shark attacks worldwide in 1939, with 9 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1939?

36.0% of shark attacks recorded in 1939 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1939?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1939 were Australia (9), United States (4), Papua New Guinea (3).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1939 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1939 were Tiger shark, 7' shark, Questionable incident, said to involve a.